A bit about us
We’re on a mission to transform lives, communities, and places through the power of movement. Across the North East of England, many communities face deep-rooted health, social, economic and environmental inequalities. We’re passionate about the difference movement can make in helping people feel healthier, more connected and more confident at every stage of life.
All the donations raised by the runners will go back into that mission, supporting our work with the communities that need it most. Find out more about our work.
Meet the runners
Charlotte Davis
“Hi, I’m Charlotte and I’m excited to run the London Marathon next year with Rise as my first ever marathon! After getting into running as a hobby a couple of years ago, I’ve done a few half marathons, and decided it’s time to take on the full thing.
“I’m running for Rise because I’ve seen in my own life how getting active can not only make you feel better physically, but also be a great way to socialise, improve your self-confidence and boost your mental health. I also work for a running events company, and work with countless charities that inspire people to take up running. Through this work, I continuously see how running and exercise can change people’s lives, both those who are supported by the charities, and those who fundraise for them, as they form connections with others and start to believe in themselves to complete a challenge!
“My favourite race I’ve done is always the Great North Run, the support is just amazing with everyone in the city coming out to cheer people on, and there’s so many first timers, PBs, inspiring stories and great causes to really make you feel like you’re part of something special. The whole event really shows people that anyone can take part, and you can have great fun while doing it!
“I haven’t started training yet, as I’m travelling around Asia for a couple months before Christmas, but being away and only managing to fit in some easy jogs while country-hopping has really got me excited to hit the ground running (literally) in the new year!”
Donate to CharlotteChris Soley
“Hi, my name is Chris and I’m running the London Marathon in Aprill 2026 to raise money for Rise.
“I didn’t start running until my late 30s, inspired by my eldest son, who was only 10 at the time, and wanted his dad to help him train for his triathlons. I remember making an excuse that my laces had come undone so I could get my breath back and thinking to myself that I need to seriously get myself into shape.
“Since then, I’ve got the “bug” and run a few marathons, eight in total if you include five Swaledale Marathons, which are technically only 24.5 miles but very, very hilly! I also completed my first 100k ultra last year, running (and some walking) the Jurassic Coast alongside an old university friend.
“My greatest marathon achievement was running the York Marathon when I had just turned 40 and managed to squeeze sub 3.30. 3 hours, 29 minutes and 58 seconds to be exact! I don’t think I’ll be breaking this time again as I’ve just turned 50 this year!
“In 2022 I completed my only London Marathon, this was the year when it was run in the October following the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a an absolutely magical event being so well supported all the way. I’m really looking forward to completing it again, this time joined by my Wife Cerian. Cerian has never run a 5k, let alone a marathon, so I’m also supporting her in achieving her own London marathon goal.
“Early training has started for us both and we are up to eight miles together so far. I also ran the London Royal Parks Half marathon in October this year, so I’ve got a bit of a head start! Full training will start in the New Year in earnest!
“I’m running for Rise as it’s so important for peoples mental and physical wellbeing to get up and get moving. The Rise charity is a wonderful organisation that supports people of all ages in communities that need the support most to get moving and make a real difference in their lives.”
Donate to ChrisEmma McGurrell
“Hi, I’m Emma, and I’m incredibly excited to be taking on the London Marathon again this year. I’ve completed three marathons already — two London Marathons in person and one virtual in 2020, which I ran around Gateshead.
“I’ll always be especially proud of my very first marathon in 2015, which I signed up for from my hospital bed after suffering a miscarriage. Training for and running that marathon had such a profound, positive impact on my life that in 2016 we welcomed our miracle baby girl, Anaelle, into the world. I ran that first marathon for Tommy’s, the baby charity, alongside my husband. I had just three months to train, and I genuinely loved every minute of it. The only downside was that I forgot to look at Buckingham Palace as I finished… so of course, I had to do another one!
“I chose to run for Rise because I deeply admire their work and the impact they make. Their mission aligns closely with my own values and the work I do, and supporting a charity making such a powerful difference in the North East felt like an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.
“Training is already underway. My plan is to build a strong fitness base between now and Christmas, then move into a full marathon training programme in January. I’m genuinely excited to take on the London Marathon again, and I’m hugely grateful to Rise for giving me this opportunity.”
Donate to EmmaAndy Clark
“Having completed the London Marathon twice before, in 2003 and 2006, both with times just over four hours, I’m thrilled to return for another challenge. Running this iconic event has always been a personal milestone, and over the years I’ve continued to push my limits, including completing a Half Ironman in Oman. These experiences have strengthened my passion for endurance sports and the importance of resilience, both physically and mentally.
“I currently manage the OakLeaf Sports Complex for Great Aycliffe Town Council, where I’m committed to promoting health, fitness, and community wellbeing. Before this, I served in the British Army as part of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), where I developed a deep understanding of physical training and mental resilience.
“This year, I’m proud to run for Rise, a charity that truly aligns with my values: improving mental and physical health and wellbeing, enhancing child development and education, creating healthy and sustainable places to live and work, supporting the NHS in managing and preventing a range of conditions, and nourishing the health and wellbeing of the workforce.
“Training is going really well – I’m just about to complete a Garmin Connect Half Marathon programme before moving on to the full marathon plan. If you’d like to follow my progress, you can check out my updates on Instagram: Follow me here.
Every mile I run is in support of these vital goals, and I’m committed to making a positive impact in our communities.”
Donate to AndyFind out more
Read our strategy for the full picture or take a look at our latest impact report to see the difference we make.
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