24 April 2026 News
MONTHS of preparation will finally come to an end this weekend when 246 MND Association runners make their way to the start line for the TCS London Marathon 2026.
As one of the most iconic marathons in the world, the London Marathon is one of the biggest events in the MND Association’s fundraising calendar with our incredible runners expected to raise more than £700,000.
At miles 20 and 21 our volunteers will be out in force to cheer on our runners, who each have their own unique reasons for wanting to take part.
Among them is Matthew Cox, who was diagnosed with MND last year.
Matthew, a former executive producer who worked on The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards on ITV, will be pushed around the course by members of his family. He is sharing his story to raise awareness of MND as well as vital funds which will help support people facing their own diagnosis.
He said: “It’s the sense of urgency I have to raise awareness and money to help others which gets me up every morning. As someone who is newly-diagnosed with MND this means a tremendous amount to me, especially having met so many people facing a terminal illness through my work.”
Former Royal Navy engineer, Jon Over, will also be at the start line on Sunday after being diagnosed with MND last year. Thanks to the support of his former naval colleagues and friends who will push Jon around the course, he will fulfil his dream of completing the marathon. Two weeks later, the team will head to Leeds to take part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on 10 May.
Jon said: “The friends and wingmen you make in the Navy stay with you forever. The bonds we forge through adversity can’t be broken.
“We help each other through the toughest of times. We laugh, train, sleep, cry, fail and win together. The naval family has gathered around me and supported not just me but my whole family, and I will be forever grateful.”
A team of runners from Stand Against MND will be taking part in the marathon to raise money for the MND Association in memory of Sam Perkins, who died from MND in 2025. Following his diagnosis in 2019, Sam did an incredible amount to fundraise and donated more than £250,000 to the Association to fund vital research.
Stand Against MND patron, Chrissie Wellington OBE, said: “There’s no better way to keep Sam’s memory alive, and to raise money for the MND Association, than to run the London Marathon, a race that was so close to his heart. I wish I could join the team of four fantastic runners, but an injury has sidelined me - at least for this year. I will be cheering for them every step of the way, filled with gratitude that they are doing this Memory Marathon in aid of such an important cause and to celebrate an incredible person.”
The MND Association’s Director of Income Generation, Jo Coker said: “Nothing else comes close to the London Marathon – it’s a truly iconic event and we can’t wait to support our runners as the big day gets closer.
“Everyone taking part has their own story and their own inspiration driving them to take on this challenge of a lifetime. To the 5,000 people living with MND in the UK right now every mile really matters and every pound raised takes us closer to a world free from this devastating disease. We wish all our runners the very best of luck!”
Follow the action from the London Marathon this weekend via the Association’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.