What motivated our 9 runners at the 2026 London Marathon?
On Sunday 26 April, nine incredible fundraisers ran the UK’s famous Marathon, raising an incredible raising over £21k and counting! Here’s a little bit about what motivated some of our runners.
Why Cal ran for us
Cal Wright shares his story about what motivated him to choose Devon Air Ambulance as his charity to fundraise for.
‘Last summer, our friend Rob Stabler was tragically killed in a cycling accident in Ashburton, Devon. Two weeks before that, we had celebrated his wedding with his beautiful wife and friend, Rachel.
‘Knowing Rob’s life was cut short in such sad and abrupt circumstances has obviously been difficult to comprehend over the past 10 months. Immediately after his accident, Rob was treated by the wonderful staff of Devon Air Ambulance and promptly taken to Derriford Hospital, where sadly he passed away. The skill, composure and benevolence of those Devon Air Ambulance crew is truly remarkable.
It meant an awful lot personally to run the London Marathon and raise money for a vital and worthwhile cause.
‘My mother-in-law was also treated by Devon Air Ambulance after suffering a fall in February 2018. Unknown to her at the time, she had broken her leg and was airlifted to hospital. She, like so many, was incredibly grateful for the amazing care she received by The Devon Air Ambulance.’
Why Dan ran for us
Dan Fleming ran in memory of his uncle.
‘My uncle unfortunately passed away in a parts/service depot in Pinhoe, Exeter, in November 2023. His name was Peter Fleming, and the Devon Air Ambulance crew was on site within eight minutes in an attempt to revive him and spare my family a deeply tragic loss. Unfortunately, his time came to an end that day, despite the persistent fight from not only the crew but also his colleagues and friends present at the time.
‘Because he lived around the corner, his family was able to get by his side whilst he passed, and his death serves as a timely reminder that time waits for no one. He was 65 and much too young to go!
Following this event, the Devon Air Ambulance sits very close to my family’s hearts and minds, and it is an honour to represent the charity, and my Uncle Peter.
Why Paul ran for us
Paul Robinson is a former Devon Air Ambulance paramedic and wanted to continue to lend his support to the charity in his retirement.
‘I recently retired from the Devon Air Ambulance back in December 2024 after working as a Critical care Paramedic for 20 years.
‘I have had a passion for long-distance running for over 30 years and have been lucky enough to complete many marathons over the years, often raising funds for the time-critical work which is carried out throughout Devon and beyond!
I apply ever year with the ballot system for the London Marathon, unfortunately I’ve not been successful for the past 8 years. But this year I got a spot with the charity I worked for for so long.
‘I wanted to raise as much money as possible to help the team to continue the great work they all do.’
Why Bob ran for us
Bob Huntington has been a fundraiser for us through a variety of active events.
‘I have been a fundraiser for Devon Air Ambulance through gig rowing and dragon boating at the Exeter Dragon Boat Festivals. I have also been fundraising by running for the charity as well, initially at 10km and half marathon races, and now here is the opportunity for a full marathon at a huge event in London.
I started running at the age of 68 last year and by the time the London race came around I was 70. I have really enjoyed representing Devon Air Ambulance at the fundraising events and have come to realise what an exceptional and critical service you provide for Devon and our neighbouring counties.
‘I have also been inspired by a visit to the North Devon airbase in Eaglescott and I was delighted to represent the charity at the London Marathon 2026.’
Each of our runners as a special connection to our lifesaving service that compelled them to keep going until they had achieved their incredible feat. We are so grateful to each of our incredible Marathon runners this year, and we can’t wait for next year when we hear the stories of all those passionate supporters keen to go the distance.
If these stories have inspired you then we would love to hear about your own fundraising events.
Enter your application before the end of the day on Monday 4th May 2026 to be in with a chance of securing a spot on the 2027 London Marathon.
