RNCSF Runners Conquer the London Marathon, Raising £31.1k to Transform Young Lives

On Sunday 26 April, RNCSF was incredibly proud to see five dedicated runners cross the finish line of the 2026 TCS London Marathon, raising an inspiring £31,100 to support children and young people through RNCSF’s work.

Part of a truly historic London Marathon

Crowds lined London’s streets to watch the runners take on the challenging 26.2 miles, making the iconic journey from Greenwich to The Mall. A record‑breaking 58,250 runners crossed the finish line, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. Being part of such a diverse, determined and joyful crowd was both humbling and deeply inspiring, underscoring the power of bringing people together for good.

A phenomenal fundraising achievement

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, every mile run will go on to make a lasting difference. With every £1 donated creating £9 of impact, the total raised will generate the equivalent of more than £285,000 in transformative support, helping to open doors through education, empower children, and give those who need it most the chance to thrive. This incredible total represents more opportunities, stronger support, and more life‑changing outcomes.

Meet the runners

A huge congratulations and thank you to our remarkable team:

  • Ali Henderson, RNCSF Chief Executive – 4:35 finish

  • Veronika Tugendraich Garwolinski, RNCSF Fundraising Director – 5:29 finish

  • Isabella Fowler (Issy), RNCSF supporter from Deloitte – 4:36 finish

  • Grace Keen, from Mintel, as part of our growing partnership – 4:34 finish

  • Luke Stellini, parent at RNCSF‑accredited school Monkton Combe – sub‑4‑hour finish!

Reflecting after the race, Luke said:

“It feels amazing. I’m very pleased to come in just under four hours—thank you so much to everyone who supported me.”

After medals were collected and tired legs reclaimed, runners were reunited with family, friends and supporters, celebrating together over well‑earned drinks and stories from the course—a joyful and fitting end to an unforgettable day.

Veronika, RNCSF Director of Fundraising, said:

“Running the 2026 London Marathon was without question the most physically challenging thing I’ve ever done — but also one of the most joyful. The crowds, the atmosphere and running for a cause I care so deeply about made it incredibly special. I’m so proud of our team and what we’ve achieved together, we have raised an unprecedented amount.”

Thank you for being part of the journey

We are very grateful to our sponsor Applicaa for their generous support in our marathon journey.

We also extend special thanks to Mintel, the global market intelligence and research agency. Grace’s involvement reflects our growing partnership and shared commitment to creating positive change for young people.

To everyone who donated, shared, encouraged, and cheered from the sidelines: thank you. Your support turns challenge into change and makes lasting impact possible.

🔗 Continue to support our work: Royal National Children's Springboard Foundation

Together, we are changing lives—one step at a time.

Running the 2026 London Marathon was without question the most physically challenging thing I’ve ever done — but also one of the most joyful. The crowds, the atmosphere and running for a cause I care so deeply about made it incredibly special. I’m so proud of our team and what we’ve achieved together, we have raised an unprecedented amount.
— Veronika, RNCSF Director of Fundraising
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