Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Pixie Lott

Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)

Listen Live

Harrogate youngsters complete mini marathon and raise £2,000 for blood cancer

Friday, 1 May 2026 08:19

Emily and Thomas, Year 5 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School.

Two Harrogate pupils have raised more than £2,000 for charity after completing the TCS Mini Marathon last weekend.

Emily and Thomas, Year 5 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, took part in the London event on Saturday, just one day before their fathers ran the London Marathon.

The youngsters tackled a one-mile route through central London, running through St James’ Park with a start at Horse Guards Parade and finishing along The Mall.

Crossing the line in an impressive 9 minutes and 54 seconds, the runners have been able to raise over £2,000 for Blood Cancer UK.

A spokesperson for Belmont Grosvenor School said:

“With around 530 children in their wave (and nearly 40 waves in total), it was a busy and exciting event and both runners did brilliantly.

“We're super proud of you both!”

The weekend of endurance did not stop there.

Emily and Thomas’ fathers, Mr Badger and Mr Wilcock, went on to complete the London Marathon the following day - an achievement made even more remarkable by the challenge they had already undertaken.

The duo had just finished an extraordinary “Peaks and Pedals to the Palace” feat, climbing the UK’s three highest mountains, cycling from Snowdon to London, and then running the marathon - all within five days.

For James Badger, the challenge carries deep personal meaning.

Following the loss of his wife Philippa four years ago, his fundraising efforts through Team Badger have now raised an incredible £530,000 for Blood Cancer UK, helping to fund a research project in her name.

More from Local News

Sold out: Tickets snapped up for Harrogate Town's relegation decider

There will be a full house at Harrogate Town’s Exercise Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) as the club prepares for its crucial League Two clash with Barnet.
North Yorkshire Council deputy leader to step down

The deputy leader of North Yorkshire Council says the authority's financial stability is the "envy of the local authority world" as he announces he is to stand down next week.
Talented Harrogate teen earns British fencing pathway spot

A talented Harrogate athlete is making his mark on the national stage after being selected for British Fencing’s national development programme.
New Indian restaurant celebrates successful launch in Harrogate

A new Indian restaurant has opened its doors in Harrogate to a warm reception from diners, with its launch night drawing glowing reviews.
WATCH: High-speed pursuit through Harrogate as police recover stolen vehicle

North Yorkshire Police have released footage of a high-speed pursuit through Harrogate as officers attempted to recover a stolen vehicle.
Suspect appears in court after pushing elderly woman to the ground in Knaresborough

A suspect appeared in court this week following an incident with a 79-year-old woman in Knaresborough.
New Maltkiln plans prompt infrastructure concerns

Insufficient infrastructure will be built in the early stages of work on a new 3,000-home community in the North Yorkshire countryside to cope with the number of new residents, it has been claimed.
Extinction Rebellion's Red Rebels spotted in Knaresborough

Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion Harrogate and Ilkley, dressed as Red Rebels, have been spotted in Knaresborough as they celebrate Earth Day.
Martin House hits £2 million retail milestone after surging online sales

Martin House Children's Hospice has reached a major milestone in its retail operations, generating £2 million in sales over the past year.
Harrogate primary school's colour run fundraiser set to return

A popular fundraising event at Coppice Valley Primary School is set to return following a successful debut last year.
Royal recognition for Ripon community hero

A Ripon crossing patrol officer who has helped keep families safe for nearly a decade is set to receive royal recognition at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Ripon prepares for city's 'biggest ever display' celebrating history and heritage

Ripon is preparing for what organisers describe as its "biggest ever display" to celebrate the city's history, heritage and community spirit.
FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park launches new lunch service

Luxury Harrogate hotel Rudding Park has announced that its immersive FIFTY TWO restaurant will introduce a new lunch service.
Motor rollers to be showcased at Tractor Fest

Road motor roller fans can enjoy a rare treat at this year’s Tractor Fest being held at Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon.
Stockeld Park launches new on-site glamping tents

Stockeld Park is set to expand its on-site accommodation offering with the launch of brand new bell tents.
Ripon boy, 6, wins bronze at national jujitsu competition

A 6-year-old boy from Ripon has secured a bronze medal at a national jujitsu competition after taking on some of the country's top young fighters.
Restaurant stopped from giving customers free lift home

A restaurant owner says she feels a council decision to stop her husband giving customers a free lift home after their meal is "a bit harsh".
CCTV appeal following NEXT theft in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police have issued CCTV of a person they would like to speak to.
Harrogate District Hospital to host open days as part of Health in Harrogate

Harrogate District Hospital is inviting local residents to step behind the scenes at two open days next month and discover more about how their local hospital works.
"Getting to work shouldn’t be a post-code lottery" says Harrogate MP

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Tom Gordon is challenging disabled bus pass restrictions.