Gary Havinga

I’m Running the London Marathon for the Army Benevolent Fund — In Boots and Full Kit

This year, I’m incredibly proud to have been selected to run the London Marathon in support of the Army Benevolent Fund, the national charity of the British Army.

The ABF is there for soldiers, veterans, and their families in times of real need—and now, I want to do my bit to give back.

But I won’t be taking the easy route.

To honour the experiences of those still serving and those who’ve served, I’ll be completing the marathon in military boots, carrying a fully weighted Bergen—the same kind of kit carried on operations.

Why? Because I want this to be more than just a run. I want it to reflect both the physical demands our soldiers face, and the invisible weight that many carry long after they return home—something I’ve seen and felt within the Forces community.

This challenge is also personal. I recently lost my father to cancer, and going through that journey showed me just how important strong support networks are—just like the ABF provides for service personnel and their families.

Every mile I run will be a tribute:
To those still serving.
To those who’ve served.
And to those who carry the weight long after the battle ends.

If you’re able to support my fundraising efforts, whether with a donation or by sharing this page, it would mean the world to me—and to the people this charity helps every single day.

Thank you.

Select amount to donate

£100

Could help pay for adapting a disabled veteran's home to increase their independence

£50

Could help towards care home fees for an elderly veteran who can no longer live at home

£30

Could help pay for training that gives a veteran the skills to pursue a new career

£20

Could help towards paying essential utility bills for a veteran struggling to meet the cost of living

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Gift Aid I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or community amateur sports clubs that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given.

My Updates

London Marathon completed

What a great day, crowds were amazing. What a great experience

Almost time

Kit all ready for the weekend !! Can't wait

Final training run.

I’m Running the London Marathon for the Army Benevolent Fund — In Boots and Full Kit

This year, I’m incredibly proud to have been selected to run the London Marathon in support of the Army Benevolent Fund, the national charity of the British Army.

The ABF is there for soldiers, veterans, and their families in times of real need—and now, I want to do my bit to give back.

But I won’t be taking the easy route.

To honour the experiences of those still serving and those who’ve served, I’ll be completing the marathon in military boots, carrying a fully weighted Bergen—the same kind of kit that is carried on operations.

Why? Because I want this to be more than just a run. I want it to reflect both the physical demands our soldiers face, and the invisible weight that many carry long after they return home—something I’ve seen and felt within the Forces community.

Every mile I run will be a tribute:

To those still serving.

To those who’ve served.

And to those who carry the weight long after the battle ends.

If you’re able to support my fundraising efforts, whether with a donation or by sharing this page, it would mean the world to me—and to the people this charity helps every single day.

Thank you.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£267

Cheryl

£53.32

John Dooks

All the best Gary, you will smash it mate

£50

Mary Gill

£50

Lee Barfoot

Well done, mate! Great effort. X

£50

Julie Havinga

Your dad would have been so proud of you as am I. Good luck on your venture for a worthy cause. X

£36

Kate

Loves ya Cuz. Well done. Xx

£32.23

Jeannie

Good luck Gary You will be an inspiration

£32.23

Richard M

Well done Gary for running this marathon for such a brilliant cause 👏 👍 hope you do well all the runners do such a brilliant job raising money for good causes SO KEEP GOING GARY 👍 well done you

£31.51

Toni

Good luck big brother!!!

£21.84

Paul Naismith

Good luck! Pain is temporary!

£21.84

Kim & Steve Xxx

Good luck Gary for today!! You’ve worked so hard … you will smash it

£21.84

Sandy Kleyser

Good luck we're thinking of you. Love Aunty San and Dave. Xxx

£21.84

Rosemary Coulson

All the best

£20

The Mayo's

Good luck Gary.

£16.20

Barnes

Good luck!! See you at the finish line 🏅

£11.33

Terry White

Good luck

£11.33

Lorraine

Well done x

£11.33

Harry Crisp (utilita Bowl)

Good luck Gary

£11.33

Tonis Friend

£11.33

Stephen Cooper

Good luck from all the team at the Dolphin

£11.33

Rosie Stephens

Good luck Gary

£11.33

Anonymous

£6.11

Jamie Sharples

Best of luck, I appreciate the work you are doing for the heroes, my old man was in the Irish Guards for 22 years, much respect Gary🫡💂🏼 Sharpy if anyone knows him, 56 years young this year

Gary's London Marathon 2026

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£811 + £87.57 GiftAid

My Goal