Personal Stories Fuel a Marathon Effort
The energy on the streets of London was electric on April 29, 2025, but for the 14 runners with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) across their chests, the finish line wasn’t just about medals. It was about gratitude, memory, and hope. Together, they’ve raised over £30,000 so far at the TCS London Marathon, and the donations are still rolling in. Not bad for a group motivated not by fame, but by moments that tug at the heartstrings.
Some had been on the receiving end of Addenbrooke’s world-class care—parents whose children pulled through against the odds, and families who wanted to say thanks after a loved one’s life was changed, or even lost. Others ran for friends, relatives, or just to give something back. A standout was Sarah Barnard-Mitcham, who came into marathon training after a severe neck fracture. You’d think that would be enough of a challenge. On race day, she twisted her ankle right at the start. But Sarah didn’t bow out. Six hours later—with her sister’s encouragement and the crowd cheering her on—she crossed the finish line, every mile a testament to persistence.
The Cheering Squad That Never Quits
If you’ve ever run a marathon, you know the crowd makes all the difference. For the ACT runners, their support team was hard to miss. Community Fundraising Coordinator Bridget Parr and Head of Community Fundraising Donna Lee-Willis set up cheer points at both the 13.5-mile and 22.5-mile marks. The volunteers’ enthusiasm was infectious, and it made a difference, especially as the miles dragged on and the finish line still sat far on the horizon.
Bridget Parr was moved watching Sarah blaze past the Addenbrooke’s cheer point in Shadwell, especially knowing her journey from neck injury to marathon finisher. Donna Lee-Willis, a familiar face at the marathon for over two decades, couldn’t hold back her admiration for this year’s team, calling them “simply incredible.” That says something coming from someone who’s seen the sweat, the tears, and the triumph over 22 years of marathon memories.
The London Marathon isn’t just a race for these runners—it’s a chance to pay forward the life-saving work of Addenbrooke’s, with every stride and every pound raised helping the next family in need. The marathon might be over for now, but the effects of their efforts will keep going strong back in Cambridge, and beyond.
