Running the London Marathon is a bucket list experience for many of our fundraisers.


Each year we get more and more applications to run for the Huntingotn's Disease Association in the London Marathon and this year was no different. After months of interviewing, we can now introduce you to our team of runners who have not only committed to training to run the epic 26.2 mile race around central London, but have come to us with exciting fundraising plans.

Meet the runners

Claire Bell

Huntingtons has hugely impacted Claire's family since 2020 when a close member of the family was diagnosed. They've witnessed their family member lose their independence, physical abilities and happiness.
The Huntington's Disease Association has been amazing in supporting the family throughout this difficult time and for me to be able to give something back is a complete honour and privilege. Supporting this charity for the London Marathon 2025 will not only honour his continued courage and resilience but also give us hope and purpose. If I can do something to help foster a future where no family has to endure the pain that Huntington’s disease has inflicted on ours, then I am all in on raising as much money and awareness as possible! I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and be a part of something special.
Claire

Charlotte Conn

Charlotte is a passionate Huntington's disease advocate after looking after her nan from a young age to the day she passed away in 2021. Her mum is now battling the same condition and Charlotte tested positive this year. As a family, they want to make a stand against it.
It's a chance to give back to a charity that has supported my family incredibly over the last decade. Each member of my family has accessed support from the charity at different points, from meetings with Specialist Adviserrs to support from the Youth Service. Our Huntington's disease journey is very tough but it would be unbearable without the support of the charity. Taking part in the London Marathon gives me back a sense of control and hope, for my family and families all over the UK. I'm running, for hope.
Charlotte - Consent 2022

Daniel Pascoe

Huntington's has been part of Daniel's life since he was young. He lost his dad, aunt and grannie so understands the debilitating and devastating effects that it can have not only on the person with the condition but on those who care for their loved ones. Sadly both his dad and aunt took their own lives while struggling with the effects of the disease and since then Daniel has dedicated a good portion of his life to raising funds and awareness of the condition. Daniel hosted a recurring fundraiser in #HD28for28 in which encouraged everybody to exercise 28 minutes a day every day throughout February and share their progress as they went along. He also created an award-nominated radio documentary for BBC Sounds on Huntington's disease called 'In Two Minds'.
Running the London Marathon has always been a goal of mine, especially since launching #HD28for28 in 2021. I've always wanted to be part of the spectacle that is the marathon but also, I want to prove to myself that I can actually do it. I know it's going to be the hardest thing that I've ever done but doing this for the Huntington's Disease Association, and everybody that they support and have supported, will get me across that line. I'm incredibly proud to have been selected to do this and I promise that the opportunity is not lost on me. I'm all in for #TeamHDA.
Daniel

Emily Chesworth

Emily is running with her friend Jess, both of which have several connections with Huntington’s disease and are both very passionate about raising money to support the Huntington's Disease Association. Their very close friend has a family diagnosis and they are very close to the family and really want to offer support and raise money to help family members access the charity if they need that in the future.
The London Marathon is an important event to Jess and I because it provides an opportunity to raise awareness and money for Huntington’s. The physical challenge of running a marathon is one that we look forward to, but also recognise the resilience and perseverance needed to train properly, particularly in the winter months. Having this high-profile event to aim for is an exciting opportunity for us to be a part of, and the fact that this year will be a record-breaking year makes the event even more exciting.
Emily and Jess

Emily Jones

Emily's mum was diagnosed with Huntington's in 2020 just before the first national lockdown. The diagnosis came as a huge shock to them as there was no family history of the disease. Following her mum's diagnosis, Emily found huge comfort in getting outdoors and running.
We have received incredible support from the team at the Huntington's Disease Association and I am so excited to raise as much money as I possibly can so they can continue to help other families. I am looking forward to flying the flag for Huntington's disease and raising awareness of the fantastic charity by participating in such a global event.
Emily

Graham Stayner

Graham's mum was diagnosed with Huntington's about 12 months ago. Living in New Zealand and so far from his family, he wanted to fundraise for the Huntington's Disease Association as a way of helping and thanking the team for supporting them while he is not close by.
It was always a childhood dream to participate in the London Marathon. I feel it's important to raise money and awareness for the Huntington's Disease Association since Mum's symptoms were diagnosed as Huntington's disease. Since diagnosis, she and my family have been receiving invaluable support and guidance from the Huntington's Disease Association team.
Graham

Jacob Coates

Jacob's late uncle had Huntington's and his family was supported a lot through his journey with the disease. The charity provided vital support to everyone throughout the progression of Huntington's.
It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and a massive personal challenge whilst also raising awareness for HDA and raising vital funds!
Jacob

Jessica Hodges

Jess is running with her friend Emily, both of which have several connections with Huntington’s disease and are both very passionate about raising money to support the Huntington's Disease Association. Their very close friend has a family diagnosis and they are very close to the family and really want to offer support and raise money to help family members access the charity if they need that in the future.
Raising money for Huntington's Disease Association is going to be such a privilege and I am genuinely looking forward to raising money as it is going to impact people that I love and care about, in their lifetime. I am looking forward to running and raising money with Emily as she’s such an encouraging and close friend. It’s going to be such a great challenge.
Emily and Jess

Megan Ashmore

Megan's dad was diagnosed with Huntington's in 2012 and is now in the advanced stages of the disease. Megan has a 50:50 chance of inheriting the disease and currently remains untested. She is an ambassador for the Huntington's Disease Association and also I am involved with the HD Youth Voice group.
The London marathon is important to me, as I will be raising funds for the Huntington's Disease Association which is something I am very passionate about, whilst raising awareness about Huntington’s disease. When I was younger, I would never tell anyone about what was happening at home regarding Huntignton's and this was quite isolating. Now I feel like shouting it from the rooftops as if it makes one person included and feel a part of a community then it is all so worth it. I would hate for any other child or young person to feel the way I did throughout my teenage years when Dad was slowly slipping away due to the condition. We have to have hope for the future and the community is forever growing and forever powerful! The physical and mental challenge is something I am also looking forward to as testing my body and mind to the limits. I feel very grateful to be able to move my body in this way and be given a chance to be on #TeamHDA.
Megan

Philip Dawson

Huntington's disease directly affects Phillip's family and he has unfortunately lost many family members to this disease with other members diagnosed.
I am so lucky to have amazing family and friends and I know I’ll be able to reply on their support and motivation so that will get me over that finish line!!
Philip

Rebecca Wall

Rebecca's best friend Melanie has Huntington's disease along with her sister Selina. Sadly, their sister Lucy, passed away just over a month ago after being symptomatic for a number of years. Their father died of the disease in the mid 90’s and Huntington's has been a part of all our lives ever since. I have recently met another family who have three members that have tested positive for Huntington’s and they also lost their father a number of years ago to the disease. I hope to be able to offer them support in the future through my experiences with Melanie and her family. Melanie and Selina's children are all at risk of having Huntington's, so far, two of the children (out of seven) have been tested with one positive and one negative result.
I want to participate in this event to raise awareness of Huntingtons disease along with raising vital funds. I have run the London Marathon previously and it was an incredible experience and I am looking forward to repeating the challenge. Having previously suffered from a debilitating illness I feel so lucky to be able to participate in any capacity and will do my very best for the charity who have offered me such a fantastic opportunity.
Rebecca

Tom Reading

Tom's dad has Huntingotn's disease meaning he is also at risk. The London marathon is for Tom symbolises the endurance, hope, and relentless spirit required to confront Huntington's disease for his dad and everyone else living with Huntington's.
Each step I take, in training and come race day, is a tribute to the courage and resilience demonstrated by all those who are affected, including my dad. It’s a way to channel my care, compassion and energy into something proactive and positive. It symbolises months of dedication and perseverance. It will be incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts have not only contributed to my personal growth but also to raising awareness and funds for Huntington's disease. I am also eager to experience the energy and atmosphere of the crowd at such a symbolic sporting event. The shared determination of all the participants will be a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, fighting for a cause greater than ourselves.
Tom R

Best of luck to this year's runners in their marathon training.

We just want to add a huge thank you to everyone who applied both for a charity and ballot place this year. Registration for the 2026 London Marathon will open shortly after the 2025 event. Keep your eyes on our social media for the announcements.