Team BHF raise over £1.5 million at the London Marathon

More than 760 BHF runners laced up their trainers and pounded our capital’s streets to take on the iconic 2025 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27th April.

A woman running the London Marathon waves with both hands at the camera. She has a big smile on her face. Her hair is in two plaits with red ribbons. She is wearing a red British Heart Foundation runner top with her name Megan on it

The iconic event set a new world record for the number of finishers. The event's 45th edition raised more than £1.5 million, which will fund our to groundbreaking research into new treatments and cures for heart and circulatory diseases, which affects 7.6 million people in the UK.

Running for Heart Warriors all over the UK

Amongst the 760 Team BHF runners were some famous faces. BHF Ambassador’s Kimberly Hart-Simpson and Jack Wilshere, took on the gruelling 26.2 mile course running for family members affected by heart and circulatory diseases.

Photo of Jack Wilshere holding his daughter Siena, who is wearing a red BHF tshirt.

Jack, the newly appointed interim manager for Norwich, who had his first game the day before the marathon, said: “Knowing Siena was waiting for me at the finish line is what is got to help me get round the course. The bravery and strength she’s shown throughout her heart journey has been incredible, and we are just so proud of her."

Actress Lisa McGrillis ran with her best friend Mary, whose husband tragically died last year, aged just 47 years old. The pair raised and incredible £17,800 in his memory. Former footballer turned podcast presenter Steve Sidwell, nearly didn’t make it to race day after picking up an injury in training. Thankfully he pulled through and has raised over £23,000 for us and Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).

Actress Lisa McGrillis stands proudly on a running track in a British Heart Foundation re running vest with her hands behind her back

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.

James, 48, from Glasgow, completed the TCS London Marathon in memory of his father, Professor Frank Smith, who sadly passed away aged 79, after suffering a heart attack in 2022. A well-respected doctor best known for his pioneering work with the world’s first clinical MRI body scans in the 1980s. But to James Smith he was simply dad.

Cheered on by family during the race, including wife Tina, nine-year-old son Sebastian, as well as his mum Pamela. James said: “Running has also helped me to process some of my grief. Dad has been with me all the way. He was my inspiration to work hard but his death also made me consider the need to get healthier.”

James Smith stands smiling next to his Grandad Professor Frank Smith who is also smiling. Frank Smith his holding his smiling grandson in his arms

Jas Dhanda, Events Manager at the BHF, added: “It’s fantastic to see all our runners courage and determination in helping us fund lifesaving research. Without the dedication of our team of BHF runners and the commitment of people like James, Steve, Lisa, Kimberly and Jack, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has already revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK. The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to see over 760 others take on such a gruelling challenge to help save and improve lives.”

Take on your own challenge for the BHF