We are delighted to introduce the 13 amazing runners taking part in the iconic 26.2 miles at the London Marathon this weekend – have a read through to get to know our team, and if you feel inspired please do support them through their linked fundraising pages. So far the team has raised a whopping £31,244 for Challengers, supporting our vital work in transforming the lives of disabled young people and their families through the power of play. We thank them for taking on this epic challenge, and you for supporting them! Without further ado, our legendary 2025 London Marathon team….
Harriet Southey
Why are you running? I know many families who’s children attend Challengers and love it – I really wanted to help raise money to enable Challengers to continue making massive difference for the community.
How are you feeling about the big day? A little nervous as it is my first marathon but mostly excited!!
What will you be listening to on the way round? I will be listening to my running playlist which has successfully got me through all my long runs throughout training – this has a lot of upbeat songs ready to give me a boost!
You can support Harriet here: Harriet Southey is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Helen Martin
Why are you running? I am running for Challengers as a thank you for the many many hours of fun which my son Harry has enjoyed at their playschemes over the past 12 years. Harry has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, is non-verbal, and requires one to one support with everything. There are very few places where he can be fully included, accepted and enabled and Challengers has offered this from day one.
How are you feeling about the big day? I am excited for the big day – my training hasn’t been perfect with injuries and life getting in the way, but I can’t wait to experience the London Marathon magic!
What will you be listening to on the way round? I will be listening to the crowd – but I have a playlist featuring Rage Against the Machine for when it gets tough!
You can support Helen here: Helen Martin is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Emilie Nicholas
Why are you running? The work they do is truly inspiring and is such a lifeline to so many young people locally.
How are you feeling about the big day? Nervous, but also really excited!
What will you be listening to on the way round? The Wicked film soundtrack, I have been listening since the film came out & it keeps my brain busy following along with the words in my head! 😀
You can support Emilie here: Emilie Nicholas is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Nick Potter
Why are you running? My sister Katie has worked at Challengers for over 6 years and through her I’ve been able to see the amazing work they do and the impact they can have!
How are you feeling about the big day? I’m excited for the day (although definitely quite nervous!). I’m especially looking forward to seeing friends and family in the crowd watching around the course!
What will you be listening to on the way round? Just the crowd!
You can support Nick here: Nick Potter is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Jon Stevens
Why are you running? Challengers has supported my son and family for years now and I wanted to give something back by raising as much money as possible.
How are you feeling about the big day? I’m looking forward to the day and trying not to put too much pressure on myself. Training has been difficult on occasions due to my son’s unpredictable sleep patterns, with 3am wake ups, knowing that you have to get a 10 mile training run in later that day. That’s why Challengers is important, because it gives parents time to recover and decompress.
What will you be listening to on the way round? I think I will start with audio books and podcasts and then for second half, it will be mid 2000s hip hop, AC/DC and Vangelis. The books will relax me into to the race and the music will help me kick on when I need it. Well that’s the plan anyway. 😀
You can support Jon here: Jonathan Stevens is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Sophie Waller
Why are you running? I’m running the marathon for Challengers, who I’ve enjoyed working with for the past eight years. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact they have on young people’s lives. Challengers have taught me so much and continue to inspire me every day.
How are you feeling about the big day? After months of training and fundraising, we’re now just a week away! I’m feeling super nervous but also incredibly excited (especially for the pub celebration afterwards!).
What will you be listening to on the way round? I’ve been debating whether to run with headphones, but I think I’ll have to put Adele on pause and soak up the atmosphere instead.
You can support Sophie here: Sophie Waller is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Ben Watters
Why are you running? I’ve seen firsthand how much the young people and their families value our sessions. Whether it’s inclusive play, first-time trips, or respite for parents, the impact of Challengers is immeasurable. I’m grateful to be part of this team, and if running a marathon helps raise vital funds, I’m all in!
How are you feeling about the big day? I have no idea what to expect, having never done anything like this before! I’m really excited to see my family and friends cheering me on. The atmosphere and the crowd support will be unforgettable.
What will you be listening to on the way round? I’m obsessed with music and love discovering new tracks. Some of my favourite albums to run to include Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay, Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice, Being Funny In A Foreign Language by The 1975, and IGOR by Tyler, the Creator.
You can support Ben here: Ben Watters is raising money for Disability Challengers
Charlotte Pearson
Why are you running? I am running for Challengers to repay them if I can for everything, they did to support my family and especially my younger brother Thomas smith who used the charity a great deal in his adolescence. This charity gave our family the much-needed respite and its been a long time coming! What a privilege – Thank you Challengers!
How are you feeling about the big day? Very excited but of course nervous with the crowds and sounds crazy but worried of missing people coming to support me!
What will you be listening to on the way round? I have a mix, 90’s and 00’s hits and a lot of R&B, drum and base and some tracks from the SHREK movie as that’s what my boys are currently obsessed with and motivates me for them.
You can support Charlotte here: charlotte, lauren Pearson is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Lauren Burke
Why are you running? I’m running the marathon for Challengers because every child deserves the chance to play, have fun, and feel included—no matter their ability. I’ve seen with my own eyes how much of a lifeline this charity has been for families; I know at least three who’ve used Challengers, and it truly made a difference in their lives. I’m proud to support the work they do every day.
How are you feeling about the big day? I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as the big day gets closer—it’s a lot of emotions!!
What will you be listening to on the way round? Well I’m excited to hear the crowds cheer us on! But I will have a bit of house and drum and bass in my ear! Something very upbeat to help my feet stay in rhythm!
You can support Lauren here: charlotte, lauren Pearson is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Nick Spiller
Why are you running? I am running in memory of my sister and to make good on my 2022 promise where I gracefully DNF’d my marathon attempt.
How are you feeling about the big day? I feel great, (most) of the worry from last time round is gone and I’m looking forward to testing myself over a full distance
What will you be listening to on the way round? I have a “Race Day” playlist that starts with 1970s disco and ends with bpm tempo optimised drum and base
You can support Nick here: Nick Spiller is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Katy Brown
Why are you running? What a fantastic organisation! I have seen the amazing work that Challengers do and have spoken to parents that have benefitted from what they offer. To give something back so their work can continue to make a difference is a real privilege.
How are you feeling about the big day? My last running event was a fun run when I was about 11, so getting very nervous now, but looking forward to embracing the experience and enjoying the day!
What will you be listening to on the way round? My sons have got involved with my playlist! We have a bit of Katy Perry from Arthur and some Minecraft related tunes from Ronnie! I can’t wait to hear them and know they’ll be cheering me on from the sidelines!
You can support Katy here: Katy Brown is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Nicky Capes
Why are you running? I am running the London Marathon to bring more fun and possibility to the lives of more disabled children.
How are you feeling about the big day? I am ready for the BIG OFF! The miles are in my legs and I hope to run happy and strong.
What will you be listening to on the way round? I will be relying on the birds in the trees and cheers of the crowd to carry me round!
You can support Nicky here: Nicola Capes is fundraising for Disability Challengers
Alice Shaw
Why are you running? It’s lovely to raise money for a charity local to me where every penny really will make a difference to children and their families.
How are you feeling about the big day? So far, excited, though I’m sure that will switch to nerves soon – it’s my first marathon so I keep reminding myself that whatever time I get will be a personal best, so no pressure!
What will you be listening to on the way round? Anything that makes me want to get up and dance – think 90s/00s floor fillers like the Killers and S Club 7. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from wedding playlists!
You can support Alice here: Disability Challengers: Alice’s Fundraising Page
