26 Miles. 26th April. 26th Birthday. One Big Reason to Run!
The year everything lines up: On the 26th of April 2026, I’ll be turning 26 — and running 26.2 miles in the London Marathon to raise money for a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart: the Army Benevolent Fund.
As a primary school teacher at a small village school with deep ties to our local army barracks, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with children and families whose lives are shaped by military service. I’ve seen first-hand the strength and resilience these families show — and I’ve also seen the unique challenges they face, often quietly and without complaint.
The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity and is there for them for life: supporting soldiers, veterans, and their families in times of hardship. Whether it’s helping a young family adjust after a deployment, supporting veterans as they transition to civilian life, or stepping in during times of crisis, this charity never stops serving those who have served us. Last year, they supported individuals aged from just 1 day old to 104 years old!
So, I’m taking on 26 miles for the families I teach, for the soldiers I admire, and for a cause that runs deep in my community.
Will you help me reach the finish line and make every mile count?
Every donation — big or small — will go directly to supporting our soldiers and their families when they need it most.
Let’s turn this special day into something truly meaningful!
Thank you for your support xx
My Updates
OVER £3000!!!
I am blown away😭 We are absolutely smashing my target amount and I am so so thankful! Thank you to every single person, who has dug into their pockets and contributed to my marathon effort🫶🏻
20 miles milestone!!!
6 weeks out from the big day and I’ve hit 20 miles🤩 relatively pain free, met friends for the final 10km and got to the end for an iced coffee. My longest run is 34km in 2 weeks time and then before I know it, it’ll be here!
30KM Milestone
Half term meant a break from the craziness in the classroom but not on the training plan!! 30km was a HUGE distance but I did it🤩😍 Just 8 weeks left👟
I’M OVER HALF WAY!!!
Thank you each and every one of you for your incredible support so far. I am over half way on my fundraising with 12 weeks to go🤩 I’m approaching the 20 mile mark in training soon and it’s not easy getting out each week in the wind and rain but your donations mean so much and keep me pushing!
Remembrance Run 25km
A Half Marathon PB!
The beginning of an exciting journey!!
AHHHH I can’t believe I’m writing this!!!
I’ve been given a place to run in the London Marathon 2026 in support of the Army Benevolent Fund – and I couldn’t be more honoured.
With tomorrow being National Armed Forces Day, I thought today was the perfect time to share the exciting news! 🇬🇧💂♂️
For those who don’t know, I teach in a small village primary school that’s closely linked to a military barracks. Within every class I teach are military children, and I see firsthand the incredible strength and resilience they and their families show every day.
Running for this charity is deeply personal and meaningful to me – it feels like a way to give back to a community I care about so much. This Charity works to support soldiers, veterans and families in times of need.
And if that wasn’t enough... the stars have well and truly aligned:
🏃♀️ 26 miles
📆 On the 26th of April
🎉 On my 26th birthday!
Today we celebrated Armed Forces Day as a school. The barracks joined us for a day filled with events and I thought it was time to launch my page!
More updates, progress and fundraising event details to follow💚
Thank you to my Sponsors
£615
Quiz Night Funds
£400
Raffle Donations
£350
Harry Ward
You are amazing Eleanor Love Uncle H xxx
£263.85
Andy Richardson
Best of luck Ellie, go smash it!!
£110.60
The Rooke’s
Thank you for all your support and I’m sure you’ll breeze 26miles. Good luck!
£106
Nikki, Dean, Munch & Kitty
Well done Els. So proud of you xxx
£106
Denise Wright
Eleanor so proud of you darling! Love Mumma and J xxx
£106
Uncle M And Alex
Good luck Ellie! Xx
£100
Nana And Grandad
Great work darling girl! Lots of love Nana and Grandad xx
£100
Funcle Jonathan
Proud of you Ellie, you got this!
£53.32
Granny & Grandad
Best of luck Ellie, sure you’ll smash it!!
£50
Auntie Kez & Rich
You've got this!! Go and smash it gorgeous girl.
£50
Branch Family
Good luck! We know you’ll do great - imagine you are being chased by the meow meow song and that’ll help you run around London in record time! x
£50
Jane Brodrick
Well done Ellie! What an incredible and selfless thing to do. Which doesn’t surprise me one little bit xxx
£32.23
David B
£32.23
Steph Deery
Best of luck Ellie, you’re amazing!!! Xxx
£32.23
Lily
Go Ells you’ll smash it ! Love lil x
£32.23
Ceryn Edmunds
You’re smashing the training Eleanor! Keep going and enjoy the day when it arrives x
£32.23
Aunty Bec
You’ve got this Els, go smash it!!
£30
Lucy Mcdonnell
Well done Eleanor! We will be looking out for you on the TV on 26th! You have got this!
£28.31
James Marsh
Susannah says "good luck" but still says she could run it and beat you. Oh for the confidence of a five year old!!
£28.31
Michelle Wise
Good luck, I hope you have a fantastic day. The sponsorship had to be £26 to match your lucky numbers
£28.10
Steve & Nerie
Good luck Ellie.
£28.10
Lucy T
Smashing it Eleanor!!!
£28.10
Graham Roper
Good Luck
£27.48
Sergi
£27.05
Remie Twist
You go girlllllll💗 I have loved being a part of this journey and I couldn’t be prouder of your efforts every single week!! You’re going to SMASH IT😍🩵
£26.20
Suzie Tushingham
Well done Eleanor! It’s such a great race and an incredible cause - enjoy every minute. Love Suzie, Paul, Amelie and Hollie x
£26
Samantha Smith
Good Luck! You’ll smash it!
£26
Emma Herod
Good luck Miss Richardson! From Abi Herod and family x
£26
Stacy & Andy
Good luck Ellie The Crowdens xx
£21.84
Keryn Rosolemos
Well done 🙂
£21.84
Glynn & Linsey
Good Luck Ellie!
£21.84
Sue Whitton
You are amazing Eleanor, I’m looking forward to seeing your medal . You have got this 👍. Good luck lots of love
£21.84
Emma Shingles
You are an absolute machine! I have no doubt you will smash it on the day, and for an incredible cause 🫶🏻xx
£21.84
Anonymous
Good luck to you Eleanor
£21.84
Karen Symes
Go smash it Ellie!!!!!! Amazing!!! Love The Symesies x
£21.84
Gem
You are incredible. Good luck, you will smash it!
£21.84
Daz & Jo Ford
Wonderful effort for a great charity - go for it 👍
£21.84
Mark & Elisa
Good luck!
£21.84
The Hillen Family X
You will be awesome Ellie. Go smash it lovely. XX
£21.84
Kerri Rolfe
£21.84
Fred Mccann
Best of luck Eleanor!!
£21.36
Brooke Vaccaro-senna
You’re a machine!! You got this xxx
£20
Ginge & Emma
How brave and selfless you are to be putting yourself through this for such a worthy cause. Well done Ellie. Hope you enjoy it and the blisters aren’t too painful!
£15
Maisie Bagshaw
I am so proud of you - you are the bestest human in the world. Forever love you more than anything. Go smash this, I’ll see you at the finish 😛❤️
£11.33
Kathryn Wright
£11.33
Julie & Steve
Go Ellie, you will smash it x
£11.33
Rosie Edwards
Good luck - I bet you'll smash it!
£10
Hayley Watt
Best of luck, Eleanor!
£10
Zac Baker
Good luck Eleanor, smashing the training so far! Keep it up 🙌
Thank you to everyone that attended my quiz night, this money is the ticket sales and food sold on the night! The event in total raised over £1000 so thank you🫶🏻