Introducing our 2026 London Marathon runners

George Foster

George is running the London Marathon in memory of his daughter, Olive, and to give back to Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity for the extraordinary care his family received during the most difficult time of their lives. Olive was stillborn, and throughout their experience the compassion, professionalism and kindness of the hospital teams made an unimaginable situation just a little more bearable.

Since then, George and his family have remained committed to supporting the charity, taking part in multiple fundraising events to help ensure other families receive the same level of care and support. Following the birth of Olive’s brother, Albert, the reassurance provided by hospital staff played a vital role in helping the family through a period of intense anxiety and uncertainty.

By taking on the London Marathon, George hopes to honour Olive’s memory and help the Baby Bereavement Group continue its life-changing work for families.

“The care and compassion we received meant everything to us. Running the marathon is my way of saying thank you, and of remembering Olive.”

George Chilvers

George is returning to the London Marathon to fundraise for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity following the exceptional care his family has received from Ipswich Hospital. Having first run the marathon in 2010 as a way of saying thank you, George now finds himself fundraising once again during another challenging chapter for his family.

Under the guidance of the medical team at Ipswich Hospital, George and his loved ones have faced uncertainty with resilience, positivity and determination. As a well-known local farming family, they have been deeply supported by their community and are passionate about giving something back.

Running the London Marathon is George’s way of recognising the dedication, skill and compassion of the hospital teams who care for so many families during their most vulnerable moments.

“We’ve been incredibly well supported during a very difficult time, and this is my chance to give something back to the people who do so much for our community.”

Sam Knibbs

Sam is running the London Marathon to support Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity after facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis in 2023. Originally from Ipswich and now living in Witnesham with his wife, Frankie, Sam’s motivation to take on this challenge is rooted in gratitude and a desire to give back.

After discovering a melanoma lump in his shoulder, Sam learned on his birthday that the cancer had metastasised into his liver, meaning he was now a stage four cancer patient. Since then, he has been under the care of specialist teams at Ipswich Hospital, including the Woolverstone Centre and the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Support Centre.

Sam has always enjoyed running, but the effects of treatment have taken a significant toll on his body, making marathon training particularly tough. Despite this, following a series of positive scans, he is determined to be on the start line and to use the challenge to support others affected by cancer.

By running the London Marathon, Sam hopes to raise vital funds to help ensure patients in the local community can access the same care, treatment and support that has meant so much to him.

“The support and care I’ve received has kept me moving forward, running this marathon is my way of giving something back.”

Mike Green

Mike is running not 1 but 2 Marathons in 2026. He will be running the Manchester marathon and London marathon on back-to-back weekends in 2026 in memory of his wife, Collette, who sadly passed away earlier this year. During her illness, Collette received cancer treatment at Ipswich Hospital, and both she and Mike were deeply grateful for the care, kindness and support provided by the hospital team.

Following her diagnosis, Collette was passionate about giving something back to the service that had supported her so compassionately. After her passing, Mike decided to honour her wishes by fundraising for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity in her memory.

By taking on the London Marathon, Mike hopes not only to celebrate Collette’s life, but also to help fund vital services and support future patients and families facing similar journeys.

“Collette was so thankful for the care she received. Running in her memory feels like the right way to honour her and support others going through the same experience.”

Ben Page

Ben is running the London Marathon as General Manager of the Emergency Department, bringing both a personal and professional commitment to supporting Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. Having witnessed first-hand the extraordinary dedication of NHS staff, Ben is passionate about ensuring teams have the resources they need to continue delivering exceptional care.

For Ben, the marathon represents resilience, teamwork and determination, values that sit at the heart of emergency medicine. Fundraising through this challenge allows him to support not only frontline services, but also the wellbeing, development and innovation that help hospital teams perform at their best.

By running for the charity, Ben hopes to strengthen the connection between the hospital and the wider community.

“I see every day how hard our teams work. Fundraising through the marathon is a way to support them and the patients they care for.”

Freddie Robinson