Among the Guernsey runners taking part in next Sunday’s TCS London Marathon will be four men all raising money to help the mental wellbeing of others in the Bailiwick.
More than 50,000 runners are registered to take part with the marathon widely recognised as one of the largest mass fundraising events in the world.
Among the charities benefiting will be Guernsey Mind, which the four men are running for.
For the first time, Guernsey Mind secured a charity ballot place for the London Marathon.
The charity’s official runner this year is Luke Penney.
An experienced distance runner, he has already completed several marathons and endurance challenges.
“I’m running for Guernsey Mind because I want to help highlight how running and staying active can support mental wellbeing and provide a healthy way to face life’s challenges,” he said.
“Guernsey Mind provides fantastic support and resources locally, and I’m proud to represent the charity at this year’s London Marathon.”
Mr Penney entered a ballot run by Guernsey Mind to win the charity’s spot in the marathon.
His name was drawn by Lee Merrien, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
At the time of writing, Mr Penney had already raised nearly £1,500 for the Guernsey Mind.
You can sponsor Mr Penney HERE.
In addition to Mr Penney, three other local runners – Darren Broad, Jon Allaway, and Kris Buddle – who all secured their own ballot places have chosen to run in support of Guernsey Mind.
“I am delighted to have been successful in the ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon,” said Mr Broad.
“I wanted to raise money for a charity close to my heart,” said Mr Broad.
“Guernsey Mind provides vital support for our community,” he added.
“I have struggled with my mental health in the past and was fortunate to receive guidance and strategies that helped me.
“Mental health can affect us all, and it’s important that people know help and support are available.”
Mr Broad is already more than halfway towards his fundraising target before running next weekend’s TCS London Marathon – which will be his first marathon.
You can sponsor Mr Broad HERE.
Mr Allaway also applied for the Guernsey Mind allocated place but was successful in securing his own individual ballot place.
He decided to stick with Guernsey Mind for his fundraising efforts.
He said he’s planning to focus his own mind on the good work that Guernsey Mind does as he runs next weekend.
“Training for and running a marathon is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one,” he said.
“I’m proud to be running for Guernsey Mind and to help raise awareness and funds for an organisation that plays such an important role in strengthening our community’s mental wellbeing.
“That purpose is what will keep me going on the day.”
Mr Allaway is halfway towards his fundraising target, with all the money raised going to Guernsey Mind.
You can sponsor Mr Allaway HERE.
Mr Buddle said he had a personal reason for choosing to support Guernsey Mind, which will also keep him going as he covers the 26.2 miles next weekend.
“I’m proud to be running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Guernsey Mind.
“Mental health has touched our family, as it has for so many others. I know first-hand how much the right support can matter, and that’s why this means so much to me.
“Every mile is about giving back to a charity that provides vital support in our community.”
The TCS London Marathon course will be the furthest Mr Buddle has ever run.
Writing on his donation page, he disclosed that the furthest he ran before starting his training was a ‘quarter marathon’ in his early 20’s, “so this is fairly ridiculous doing my first marathon at 41!”.
He has raised more than half of his target already.
You can sponsor Mr Buddle HERE.
Guernsey Mind said it is very grateful to all four runners for choosing to represent the charity.
Members of the Guernsey Mind team will be cheering them on next weekend, and members of the Penney, Broad, Allaway, and Buddle family and friends will be able to join national Mind cheer points along the marathon route to try and spot the four runners from Guernsey.
The money raised by the four men will support Guernsey Mind’s work across the Bailiwick,
Guernsey Mind is a mental health charity with the ultimate aim of supporting the people, encouraging a positive attitude towards mental health and supporting mental wellbeing.
Anyone can contact Guernsey Mind directly for support – you don’t need a referral.
“We would encourage anyone who wants to talk, or is worried about someone they know, to contact us,” said the charity.