Fundraising
Team BHF raise over £1.6 million at the 2023 TCS London Marathon
Together they raised an incredible £1.6 million which will fund our groundbreaking research into new treatments and cures for heart and circulatory diseases, which affects 7.6 million people in the UK.
Cheering them on were over 200 BHF volunteers who lined the streets to the finish line and helped collect clothing donated by runners at the start line.
These items will be sorted and processed before being sold in our BHF shops, eBay or Depop.
Inspirational reasons
Every runner had their own inspiring story as to why they wanted to take on this marathon challenge for a charity close to their heart.Amongst the 700 Team BHF runner was Elita Cozens. She proudly ran in memory of her husband Simon. He died of a heart attack after tragically collapsing while out for a walk on Easter weekend in 2013, aged just 48. Elita beat her initial fundraising target, raising an incredible £2,608.
Charlotte Burdge completed the course alongside her boyfriend Sam. They wanted to give back to the research that saved her brother, Ed, who needed a lifesaving heart transplant aged 17. Charlotte said: “There’s no doubt that the research into heart and circulatory diseases made by the BHF helped save Ed’s life.
“The marathon has always been something I’ve wanted to do and I want to raise awareness of heart transplants in younger people, like Ed, and help highlight why the BHF’s research is so important.”
And Jen Evans who was running for her 13-year-old daughter Sophie. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome Sophie needed five open heart surgeries to improve blood flow to her heart and to repair a leak in her aortic valve – one which sadly led to her having a stroke when she was only four.
Each runner showed grit and determination to make it to the finish line on The Mall. Many of them headed over to our special post event to refuel after a gruelling 26.2 miles and have their tired legs massaged.
Every footstep counts
Karen McDonnell, our Senior Events Manager, added: “It was such an inspirational and emotional day cheering our BHF runners around the course and across the finish line. And it was fantastic to see all of our runners’ courage and determination in helping us continue our lifesaving research.“Without the dedication and commitment of our team BHF runners, volunteers, and supporters, we wouldn’t be able to fund lifesaving research that has broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.”
Be part of Team BHF for the 2024 TCS London Marathon