Fundraising Heroes take on London Marathon 2026

Tens of thousands of runners took on the iconic London Marathon last week, including some of our very own fundraising heroes. Each raced for their own special reason, raising vital funds for Crossbasket House and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Here are some of their stories.Neil

Neil fundraised for the charity through the Siobhan’s Legacy of Love fund, which was set up in memory of his daughter Siobhan Cattigan. Neil has told how the charity supported him and his family in 2008 while his young niece Chloe underwent open heart surgery at Yorkhill Hospital.

Her parents stayed at Crossbasket House, then known as Ronald McDonald House, which was vital in allowing them to stay close by. Chloe sadly later passed away and since then the family have raised tens of thousands of pounds for both Crossbasket House and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Neil says:

“After having been to visit Crossbasket House I can see how vitally important it is for families to remain close to their sick child and not having to worry about the stress of travelling, finances, guilt at being away from their ill child and provides a safe, welcoming environment with families going through the same turmoil as themselves.

“Their bereavement service is one which I wholeheartedly approve of where families who go through the unimaginable grief of losing a child with the support of this service to try to help them navigate the tsunami of pain. In particular, I believe that the siblings are all too often forgotten about and anything that can guide them on this life-long journey is essential.”

Neil has also told how his daughter Siobhan inspired him to take on the challenge of the London Marathon this year:

“After losing my daughter I went from competing in marathons, triathlons and Tough Mudder type events to doing absolutely nothing. My life had been torn apart by the loss of my beautiful wee girl. After a long time, I knew Siobhan wouldn't want me to live this sedentary lifestyle, it wasn't her nor me, so I started looking at a 'big' enough challenge to give me a kick up the bum to start training again whilst also raising funds for Siobhan's charity.”

Martin

Martin’s daughter, Indy, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in July 2023 and received two years of chemotherapy before she rang the bell last September. During this time, the family accessed various charity-funded services and support. Martin was inspired by Indy’s strength to take on the London Marathon and give back to those who supported him and his family during trying times.

Martin says:

"What an experience the London Marathon is! The crowds, volunteers and runners are all amazing. It's such a wonderful event. The heat was more than I'm used to, so I missed out on my target time but I'm not disappointed, getting round the course was the main goal. I lost a bit more time in the middle when Daddy Pig and Joe Wicks flagged me down to ask me for a selfie.

“Indy is my motivation for doing this. She’s been through so much over the last two and a half years and never complained about it. I felt that signing myself up for a huge challenge like this was the least I could do to give back to those who helped her.”

Jonathan

Board Member Jonathan Haggerty took on the London Marathon for Crossbasket House, and even bumped into fellow fundraiser, Martin!

Emma

Emma’s little boy was born prematurely, and she is thankful for the outstanding level of care and support they received from the children’s hospital during his stays with us as a baby and toddler. Her son is now 9 years old, and Emma is determined to show him anything is possible, even when it feels so far out of reach.

She shares:

“As the day of the Marathon draws closer, I feel nervous and filled with self-doubt, but I am also very excited! I can’t believe I am lucky enough to be part of the London Marathon, and I have heard the crowds are incredible.

“Running for Glasgow Children’s Hospital has been a huge driving force. The generosity of people, even those I don’t know very well, has been unbelievable and has been a big motivator, especially during the tough days.”

Graeme

Graeme will be taking on his fourth London Marathon this year, raising funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in memory of his friend’s son. Despite difficulties with illness and weather during his training, he’s looking forward to the challenge and giving back to the charity.

Graeme says:

“A friend and work colleague Kate tragically lost her 11-year-old son Lauchlan whilst undergoing leukaemia treatment at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. Lauchlan, Kate and her family received such excellent care and support from the hospital and its staff that they’ve been actively fundraising since. I wanted to do something to help and, having already secured a London Marathon place, this seemed the best way to do it.”

We are grateful to every runner who undertook the London Marathon in 2026 on our behalf.

“The London Marathon is a monumental challenge and we’re grateful to supporters for undertaking it to raise vital funds for the charity. Every bit of support is crucial and goes towards helping the children and young patients being treated in Scotland’s busiest children’s hospital and their families.”

Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity