Perse staff take on the London Marathon
Four members of Perse staff will be lacing up their running shoes for the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April. Each is tackling the 26.2-mile challenge to raise money for a charity that matters to them deeply.
With over a million people applying for a place in this year’s ballot, our staff will be among the lucky l50,000 lining up in Blackheath to begin the journey toward The Mall.
Anna Wingfield – Parkinson’s UK – Donate now
After completing her first marathon last October, Anna is back for the big one, raising money for Parkinson’s UK, a cause that hits close to home.
“Please donate to help people like my dad and my uncle who experience this disease at the coal face,” Anna says.
“I absolutely will be walking some of this—I’m not Supergirl—but I aim to finish it with a smile on my face and a decent tune in my headphones!”
Tom Knowles – Mind – Donate now
Tom is running for Mind, the mental health charity, in memory of a beloved colleague and friend, Mel Pinnell, who passed away earlier in 2025.
“Mel was one of the kindest, warmest people I have ever known; she never knew quite how many young lives she had such a positive influence on,” Tom says.
“It will be a tough challenge to drag my creaking, ageing body through the training, but I have a reason to run.”
Isabelle Watts – Multiple Sclerosis Society – Donate now
Isabelle is dedicated to supporting the MS Society, a charity that funds vital research and provides “vital support and information to those affected” by Multiple Sclerosis.
Having watched her mother, Michelle, navigate life with MS since 2009, Isabelle has seen the direct impact of the charity’s work, particularly through clinical trials that have allowed her mother to “take some control and make a real difference.”
Although she admits her own “running career has peaked at a 5k Parkrun,” Isabelle is pushing her limits to help change the future of the disease. She is determined to raise the funds necessary to support the MS Society in their mission to “bring hope, progress and ultimately a cure for all those affected by MS.”
James Petrie – Breast Cancer Now – Donate now
James is running for Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s leading breast cancer charity, which focuses on life-saving research and patient support.
“Breast cancer has caused upset to so many people and their friends and families, including mine,” James says.
“This seemed like a great opportunity to give something back to a charity that does such important work in this area. I promise I will give my very best to get around the marathon.”
How to Support Our Runners
You can support their fundraising efforts via the JustGiving links above. We wish Anna, Tom, Isabelle and James the very best of luck on the day!