London marathon runners - charity fundraising for Essex Wildlife Trust
London Marathon 2026
One of the most iconic and popular races in the world, the TCS London Marathon attracts over 50,000 participants each year. Starting in Blackheath, the winding 26.2-mile route takes in many of London’s famous landmarks, including the Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge.
Meet our TCS London Marathon 2026 team
Each of our runners are having their individual sponsorship generously matched by their employers – four of our fantastic Investors in Wildlife who are championing their efforts alongside them.
Charles Padfield, Pest Defence
“My name is Charles Padfield, I have worked for Pest Defence Ltd, a Chelmsford based Pest control company for 9 years and previously to that I was a teacher and Deputy Headteacher for 25 years in Essex schools.
Work as a pest controller for the last 9 years has opened my eyes to the work of the Essex Wildlife Trust and the great work that they do in managing, conserving and creating awareness of the great variety of wildlife that Essex has to offer.
Sponsorship to run the London Marathon will raise much needed funds for the Essex Wildlife Trust to carry on their good work.
I do not take this challenge on lightly as the training so far has been quite hard and time consuming, but all this is worthwhile for such an important institution and cause”
You can support Charles here.
Gary Cattermole, Survey Initiative
“I’ve supported Essex Wildlife Trust for many years, both personally and through work. I believe deeply in the work they do to protect and restore our local environment, and I want to do my bit to help.
Running the London Marathon is a huge personal challenge for me; I want to raise funds so Essex Wildlife Trust can continue its vital work”
You can support Gary here.
Clara Hurrell-Smith, DP World
“Being outdoors and listening to nature and walking my dogs is one of my most enjoyable things to do.
Being able to help Essex Wildlife Trust by running the London Marathon will help nature lovers everywhere continue to enjoy our woodlands, and wildlife. I will train super hard to reach our joint goal!”
You can support Clara here.
Chris Wright, Oak View Landscapes
“I’m running the London Marathon with Essex Wildlife Trust because it’s a great way to support a local charity that helps protect wildlife and nature.
I enjoy setting personal challenges and combining that with raising money for a good cause makes it even more worthwhile.”
You can support Chris here.
Please note – applications for our charity places in the TCS London Marathon 2026 have closed.
However, if you have been lucky enough to secure a ballot place in the TCS London Marathon 2026, we would love you to run for #TeamWildlife and will be there to support you the whole way!
There is no sponsorship target; we simply ask you to raise as much so we can continue our vital conservation work across Essex.
As part of #TeamWildlife, you will receive
- a fundraising pack that includes materials, tips and ideas to help you on your journey
- a gorgeous Essex Wildlife Trust branded technical running top
- regular team e-newsletters
By fundraising for Essex Wildlife Trust, you will be doing something amazing for the wildlife and wild places of Essex. You will be helping us create a brighter, wilder future.
Contact our fundraising team to find out more.