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Meet the London Marathon dream team!
Posted on 26 March 2026 by Pippa McClounan
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London Marathon Runners 2026
We are truly inspired by the dedication of this incredible group, who are prepring to take on the huge challenge of running 26.2 miles through London on 26 April in support of Tourettes Action.
The London Marathon is an iconic moment in the sporting calendar, and we’re thrilled to have such a passionate, determined team flying the flag for us this year. Their commitment not only shines a spotlight on Tourette’s but also helps raise vital funds for the TS community — creating a meaningful and lasting impact.
We’re cheering them on every step of the way!
So who are our heroes in green?
Fiona Morse
I'm running for Tourettes Action because two years ago one of daughters had a rapid and uncontrollable development of tics; verbal, and physical. It was so distressing for everyone including her and ended in a visit to A&E after we now know is a tic attack. We felt so alone after her diagnosis as there was really no support for us to find out more. I'm grateful that we're talking about Tourette’s more, but recent media events have shown there's more to do - for those who have it and those who need education about it.
Donate to Fiona's fundraising page here
Chris Atkins
After completing the London Marathon in 2024 for TA it was a brilliant feeling raising awareness and vital funds for the charity. When the opportunity arose once again I had to jump at the chance. I am a primary school teacher and currently have a child in my class with Tourette’s. We held a diversity day raising awareness and the child shared their experience of living with Tourette’s, sharing a story book about their life with Tics, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Having friends with children who have Tourette’s, I see the daily challenge they face to get through each day, I want to raise as much awareness as possible and raise funds to help TA support families.
Donate to Chris's fundraising page here
Jenna Gillone
I'm running the London Marathon for Tourettes Action UK. As a paediatrician and a parent, this cause is deeply personal to me. My son has TS, and as a family we have seen first hand the challenges those with Tourette’s face every day. Our neurologist signposted us to this wonderful charity. The work that Tourettes Action does really makes a real difference — not only to those with the condition, but also to families, teachers and healthcare professionals. The resources provided by this amazing charity have helped us significantly and enabled those around us to understand more about this condition.
Training for the London Marathon is most definitely tough, especially alongside my busy job as a neonatal intensive care consultant. However, I am fully committed to this challenge. I'm running to show support, to help break down stigma, and to raise much-needed funds so this amazing organisation can continue doing what it does best.
Donate to Jenna's fundraising page here
Will Skingsley
I’m Will, and I’m excited to be running the London Marathon on behalf of Tourettes Action.
I’ve lived with Tourette’s since a very young age. At the time, no one was quite sure what it was, and we spent years visiting doctors and psychiatrists before finally receiving a diagnosis for what we now know as Tourette’s. That lack of awareness has been a constant throughout my experience growing up and, unfortunately, it still exists today.
Running is something I find helps to calm and suppress the demand tics place on my body and so being able to run the London Marathon in support of such an incredible charity is a fantastic opportunity. Raising awareness, helping people better understand Tourette’s, and challenging the stigma that can surround it are causes I care deeply about.
I feel very fortunate to be able to take part, and I’d like to wish the very best of luck to all the other runners taking on the marathon on behalf of Tourettes Action.
Donate to Will's fundraising page here
Barney Weston
I’m running this year’s London Marathon for my friend Felix, whom I met over ten years ago while we were studying Mandarin in Shanghai. Back then, I didn’t understand his tics, but later learned he has Tourette’s, and getting to know him completely changed my perception of the condition. What stood out wasn’t Tourette’s but his intelligence, kindness, and our shared love of history, culture, and literature.
Through Felix and others I’ve met, I’ve seen how much misunderstanding still surrounds Tourette’s, which is why I’m proud that Felix is now a trustee of Tourettes Action and why I was so moved by the film I Swear, which gives a thoughtful portrayal of life with Tourette’s. My decision to run the marathon began after watching last year’s final finishers and wondering if I could do something extraordinary too. When a place came up through Sport England, I took the leap—starting with a 4k walk, then a 6k run, and deciding that, fear aside, I’d go for it.
Donate to Barney's fundraising page here
Pippa McClounan
On 26 April, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon – and this time it really does feel special. I was lucky enough to secure a ballot place, and after two previous attempts that didn’t quite go to plan, this is very much third time lucky. I’m determined to get it right this time.
I’m running for Tourettes Action, a cause that means more to me than I can put into words. My amazing son has Tourette syndrome, and alongside being a parent, I also work for this incredible charity. Every day I see first-hand how vital our support is and the real, life-changing impact the charity has on the TS community. This really is more than just a job – it’s personal.
Donate to Pippa's fundraising page here
Taha Benhsain
I have seen first-hand the effects of TS in children and adults alike. Someone I am very close to has lived with it since she was 9 years old.
Being able to raise money and continue the education of the world regarding TS and funding local support groups so no one has to battle through it alone is a pleasure of mine.
Donaate to Taha's fundraising page here
Virtual London Marathon 'My Way'
Emma McNally
In April 2023 I went from Couch to Marathon for Tourettes Action. I loved the day but swore “never again” because the training was brutal!
Fast forward to 2026, ten of my lovely RwB running friends signed up for the London My Way Virtual Marathon… so of course I’ve made the crazy decision to join them.
It’s been one of the hardest years our family has faced, and running has been one of the few things that’s helped clear my head. So surely taking on a virtual marathon is the right thing to do, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.
The RwB team got me through my first marathon, and this time I get the joy of running with them as we take it on together.
Of course I am again fundraising for Tourettes Action. Having a son with Tourette’s, I know how painful and frustrating it can be to watch your child struggle. I know the helplessness you feel as a parent when your child is in pain, the battle to access medical treatment when none is available locally, and the constant need to push for school support when the impact of TS isn’t fully understood.
Working at Tourettes Action and seeing firsthand the difference we make is truly one of the nicest things. We’re often the light at the end of the tunnel for families who feel lost, and I couldn’t be prouder to support the charity.
Donate to the My Way Team fundraising page
Mark Barlow
This year, I’m taking on the “London Marathon My Way” not for a medal, not for a personal best, but for something far more important. I’m running to support Tourette’s Action, a charity that has opened my eyes to the reality of a condition most people think they understand but rarely do.
My motivation comes from someone close to me — a friend whose son lives with Tourette Syndrome, and who herself leads the charity as its CEO. Over the years, Emma has shown me the truth behind the stereotypes: the daily challenges, the emotional toll, the misunderstandings, and the resilience required just to move through the world. Her honesty and dedication have changed the way I see the condition, and I’ve watched her work tirelessly to educate others and support families who often feel unseen.
Running the Marathon is my way of standing beside them. Every mile is a reminder that the struggles people with Tourette’s face aren’t temporary or optional, they’re constant. If my effort can help raise awareness, spark a conversation, or bring in funds that make even one family’s life a little easier, then every step is worth it.
This run isn’t just about distance. It’s about solidarity, understanding, and doing something meaningful for a community that deserves far more recognition and support. And I’m proud to be running for them.
Paul Evans
Three years ago, I helped Emma train for her London Marathon, which nearly killed me, so this year, as I turn 60, I’ve made the crazy decision to run a marathon of my own. Why I am not quite sure!! I will be running with Emma and 9 others from our running group, Running with Brian. We will be taking on 26.2 long miles around our hometown of St Helens.
As a close family friend of Emma, I’ve seen first hand how Tourette’s affects not only those who live with it, but also the people who love and support them. I’ve also seen the great work that Tourettes Action does to help people with Tourette’s, which is why I’m raising funds for this great charity.
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