Meet our London Marathon runners!

What do you do in your day job?

I'm Head of Consumer Compliance, which means that it's my job to help ensure our customers receive good outcomes and the group meets the rules set by regulators like the FCA. Day-to-day, I'm setting policy, managing risk and handling investigations.

Why have you decided to take part in the marathon?

Honesty? A bit of 'why not' energy!

I love anything that pushes me outside my comfort zone and running a marathon has been on my bucket list for years. It forces discipline, patience, and commitment and I wanted to prove to myself that I could show up for myself. And where better to do that than at one of the biggest marathons in the world...

What made you decide to support Ben?

By running in support of Ben, I can give something back to the industry by raising awareness and funds so that they can continue to support our colleagues through some of their toughest times.

How has training been?

So far, so good! I'm currently training 5 times a week and I've managed to set new 5K and half-marathon PBs in the last few weeks. I've just completed my longest training run, so I'm now looking forward the taper and a little more recovery as the big day approaches.

What are you looking forward to?

The atmosphere on the day. People always talk about how amazing the crowd support is in London, and I'm excited to be right in the middle of it.

How are you feeling about it?

42.2km is a really, really long way. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous - but I'm trusting the process and know that all the hard work will pay off on race day.

How are donations going?

I've called on family, friends and colleagues who have donated generously to Ben, and am closing in on my target with a few weeks to go.

What would you say to encourage people to donate to this challenge?

Ben does such incredible work supporting colleagues across workshops, showrooms, offices and beyond. Every pound makes a real difference to someone in our industry who needs a helping hand - so please give what you can and help Ben make a difference. Ben - Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund: Emma's page

What would you say to encourage others to fundraise for Ben?

Why not?

What do you do in your day job?

I work for Mon Motors Gloucester Volkswagen Cupra as a Vehicle Technician.

Why have you decided to take part in the marathon?

I decided to take part in the marathon as a challenge to myself, to test myself.

I work within the motor trade, and I was speaking with my colleagues, who suggested your charity. Being in the trade, I know how stressful the job can be and, most importantly, how it can affect your mental health. 

What made you decide to support Ben?

I think Ben the charity is a really good cause.

How has training been?

Trainings been off and on , I pulled my groin playing football at the start of the year however have slowly been bouncing back , ran the Gloucester half marathon on 22/03/2026 with 2hours 6 mins as my time.

What are you looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to it definitely, especially after running the half marathon and seeing the support I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and raising money, hopefully.

How are donations going?

Donations have not really started as I wasn’t training too much because of my injury I didn’t really promote but because I have been back into it and finished the half marathon, I am going to start promoting it and hopefully raise a decent amount.

What would you say to encourage people to donate to this challenge?

Too encourage people to donate I would tell them about the cause and why it’s important to me and so many people and how their valuable donations will help so many people.

What do you do in your day job?
Head of Sales Retail & Inside Sales. I am responsible for a team of 16 Sales Managers (2) and  (14) Account Managers who provide supply of data solutions and services to the UK automotive retail population from the smallest independent to the largest AM100 groups. Data which powers their key day to day operations in sales, marketing, due diligence, valuation and stock management and back office processes. cap hpi is a long established and successful UK business who also supply other business sectors in finance, insurance, OEM, digial media classified and consumers as part of Solera the parent, a leading global automotive data solutions provider.

Why have you decided to take part in the marathon?
This is a personal goal and great way to raise awareness of Ben and raise money for people in the automotive community. I started running, despite a previous serious knee and leg break injury potentially leaving me advised I would never be unable too when my own mum died of cancer aged just 62, 10 years ago. I wanted to do a Race4life in her honour. I then found running, alongside riding horses which is my first love was a fantastic was to stay mentally and physically fit, healthy, and happy. I also enjoy the gaol setting and constant challenge of self-improvement. I have reached other running goals, and The London Marathon is one I had aimed for if I could be lucky enough to get a place. The 2026 marathon just happens to be 4 days before my 50^th birthday, so that adds even more excitement to the whole event and training.

What made you decide to support Ben?
I have worked in automotive roles in both retail dealerships and for 20 years since as a supplier to retailers for 30 years in total. The people in automotive are my people, colleagues, customers, and friends. Life can be unpredictable and at times cruel and challenging. Ben is there to help and provide vital support. Where possible we should all support Ben in any way we can to continue that.

How has training been?
Training is going well. I had a quiet year for running last year after a non-running related ankle and foot ligament injury. Building up and working towards the marathon goal is on track and going well. I run, ride, open water (sea) swim and get in the gym on weights and an assault bike. I am lucky to live somewhere where I have terrain and lots of lovely countryside to run in. I have also been attending some track running sessions. All of this is outside of a busy full-time job with some travel, so I am well equipped with head torch, very early starts, hotel gyms, and an any-weather attitude. I have already started entering and completing lower-distance runs, with a half-marathon coming up in December.

What are you looking forward to?
Enjoying the journey and arriving at April hopefully feeling fully prepared, injury free and fundraising going well.

How are you feeling about it?
Of course, under a bit of pressure to deliver as it’s a big commitment in training and time to get there but I am prepared for that and knew this before committing. 

How are donations going?
My page is live, and I’m now starting to ramp up now its November as it’s getting closer and after Bangers4Ben etc. I plan to sell some relevant donated prizes using Lotto Draw bonus ball numbers to raise, alongside normal donations via my socials. I have more than a thousand LinkedIn followers, along with FB and Instagram. The majority of my LinkedIn are Automotive related, also some of FB.

What would you say to encourage people to donate to this challenge?
That this money goes directly to help people like them, their staff, their colleagues, and their friends. People who contribute to or have contributed to UK Automotive and as Covid showed and we all see every day in friends and family sometimes terrible, sad or unplanned things happen to people who need Ben’s help.

What would you say to encourage others to fundraise for Ben?
I was always aware of Ben and had always contributed at dinners etc. but my first Ben challenge was an organised 10 mile trail run/race after Covid Lockdown restrictions lightened. I ran through Covid which helped me, so in turn I raised £500 as soon as I was able as a Bring it on 4Ben. It gave me an enormous sense of wellbeing and helping others at a time when it was hard to see how you could help people. There are challenges and fundraising ideas for everyone you don’t have to run! It can be a great way to also do something as a team with colleagues.

Coming soon.