Which Harrogate residents are running the London Marathon this weekend?

A number of Harrogate residents will be travelling south for the London Marathon this weekend as they fundraise for local good causes.

The event returns to the capital on Sunday (27th April) as participants hit the streets for the world-famous 26.2-mile course.

And among the thousands set to race are residents of the Harrogate district, who are each running for causes close to their heart.

Here are a few runners who will be flying the flag for our area...

Katy Wright

Harrogate resident Katy Wright will be running the London Marathon whilst pushing her dad in his wheelchair. 

She’s fundraising for Brain Research UK after her dad, Tony, was hit by a car in 2011 and suffered a brain stem bleed, which ultimately left him paralysed. 

Speaking about her fundraising for Brain Research UK, Katy said:

“The care he received at Leeds NIU was incredible, as was the specialist neuro-rehabilitation which meant that after a year he could eat and communicate verbally again.

“Brain Research UK fund lifesaving research along with research to reduce the impact of neurological conditions to help people live better and longer. 

“It's so important their work can carry on to improve the outcomes for people who experience neurological conditions or injury.”

Katy and Tony will be supported by friends David, Alix and Meg.

Read more of Katy’s story and support her fundraising campaign here.

James Badger

Birstwith resident James Badger is running the London Marathon in the latest of his fundraising initiatives in memory of his wife.

The father-of-three is currently taking on a 500km tandem bike ride to London and will compete in the marathon on Sunday.

It's all in memory of his late wife Philippa, 42, who died suddenly of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in 2022.

James has since raised over £300,000 to fund a Blood Cancer UK research project in his wife’s memory. 

He said:

“Losing Philippa so suddenly was devastating, and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia is a blood cancer that desperately needs more research. 

“I hope this challenge not only raises funds but also awareness about the urgent need for better treatments."

Contribute to James Badger’s campaign via his JustGiving page.

Olivia Keeler

25-year-old Olivia Keeler is running the London Marathon to raise vital funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) – the world-leading research institute and charity.

She’s running in memory of her uncle Richard, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016.

Olivia, who lives at her family’s guesthouse in the centre of Harrogate, said: 

"From a girl who wouldn’t run the 2.5k in PE this is going to be a huge challenge for myself. 

“I am honoured to pay tribute to my uncle by dedicating this marathon to him and all those who have been impacted by cancer."

Olivia has raised more than £2,000 to date.

Speaking about her uncle, she added:

“Even though he won't physically be here to witness my journey in the London Marathon, I know he'll be with me in spirit, pushing me forward every step of the way and dragging me over that finish line.”

You can support Olivia's campaign by donating on her fundraising page here.

Patrick Simpson

Patrick Simpson is taking part in the London Marathon to support a Harrogate disability charity that transformed his sister's life.

Patrick is aiming to raise £2,000 for Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate, which supports students with sight loss, special educational needs and disabilities.

His sister, Tess. was diagnosed with autism as a child but was able to attend the same high school as her brother due to the Special Educational Needs (SEND) support it offered. 

Henshaws had the unique set of skills required to deal not only with her vision loss, but also her medical and autism related needs.

Patrick said: 

“Having a place that was close to home and had the specialism and understanding to support her with her autism and visual impairment was amazing. 

“We were just so pleased she was happy.”

Support Patrick’s fundraising campaign for Henshaws here.

Amelia ter Morsche

Amelia ter Morsche, a receptionist in a mixed veterinary practice in Harrogate, is running for Norfolk horse Charity World Horse Welfare.

She first started horse riding at the age of seven at her local riding school and went on to volunteer there, before completing an Equine Care course at college and then a BSc in Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare.

Although Amelia doesn’t have her own horse, she regularly rides a friend’s horse, Owen.

She’s supporting World Horse Welfare - an international charity whose mission is to help improve welfare standards and stamp out suffering in the UK and worldwide.

Amelia is one of six runners representing World Horse Welfare at this year’s London Marathon.

She said:

“I have always had a strong passion for equine welfare which makes me so incredibly proud to be running for World Horse Welfare in the London Marathon 2025."

To donate to Amelia's run, please visit her fundraising page here.

Calum McCready

Knaresborough resident Calum McCready is taking on this year’s London Marathon in aid of a charity for the visually impaired.

Calum McCready suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) - a rare disease that affects the retina - and his sight has deteriorated over time.

He is now registered blind.

Calum last ran a marathon in 2017 and has vowed to fundraise for Look UK in a bid to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is close to his heart.

He will be taking on the 26.2-mile route in April, alongside his guide runner Doug.

Calum said:

“I am fuelled by the determination to create a brighter future for visually impaired young people. 

“With all of our support, Look UK can continue to support visually impaired young people, all over the country, to thrive.”

To find out more about Calum’s challenge and to support his campaign, find his JustGiving page here.

Lucy Evans

One woman who is defying the odds to take part in this year’s London Marathon is 51-year-old Lucy Evans.

She first started experiencing back pain 10 years ago at the age of 40, and suffered an accident at home that left her unable to walk for three months. 

Lucy was told by doctors that over time fluid had leaked from one of the disks in her back, and she was ‘not going to get better’ or ever be able to cycle or run again. 

However, following a long recovery process throughout lockdown and beyond, Lucy recovered and has vowed to complete the London Marathon to show far she has come.

She’s fundraising for Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough.

Lucy said:

“I want to change other people’s lives while proving everybody wrong and showing that I can do it.

"I went to Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and thought it was absolutely fantastic so I’m just hoping my fundraising does something to keep it thriving.” 

Support Lucy’s fundraising campaign for Henshaws here.