Redwings’ London marathoners dug deep to complete the 26.2-mile course on one of the hottest days of the year so far on Sunday (27th April), raising £1,500 for the charity.
Steph Callen and Stephen Kennard discovered they had gained their places when their names were pulled out of the public ballot in the summer and chose to raise funds for the horse welfare charity.
It’s thought they are the first to do the marathon for Redwings in its 40-year history.
You can still sponsor Steph here, and Stephen here, and support Redwings’ work with horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who need them.
Friends and family were on the route to urge them on, along with a support squad from Redwings who cheered the runners with banners at miles 12 and 25.
After the race, Stephen said: “I’m really pleased to say I completed the London Marathon today with an official time of 4:15:56! I’m especially happy with the result given how hot it was out there.
“The atmosphere was absolutely amazing – fuelled by the brilliant crowds, plenty of water stations, gels along the route and pure determination! I’m proud to say I also managed to beat my 2021 Virtual Marathon time of 4:49:18.
“A huge thank you again to everyone who has sponsored me and helped raise money for Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Your support has meant so much and definitely kept me going out there today!”.
Steph, who worked at Redwings for almost ten years, said: “I feel so incredibly proud to have completed the London Marathon and to have raised £650 for Redwings!
“What with the hot weather and picking up a knee injury so close to the big day, it wasn’t the fastest run but I did it and was so happy (and relieved!) to reach that finish line.
“A massive well done to Stephen too for all his efforts and fundraising. And, of course, the team from Redwings who supported us on the route – it was so amazing to see you!”
Redwings is one of the largest horse welfare charities in the UK and provides specialist veterinary and lifelong sanctuary care to animals who have experienced neglect or abuse. In 2024 Redwings offered a home to 104 horses, ponies and donkeys, and rehomed 92 horses and ponies to Guardians, who, whilst they can go back to the Sanctuary at any time, take on their everyday care. The charity is currently responsible for more than 2,000 equines.
Redwings’ Head of Fundraising, Debbie Scott, said: “As a charity entirely funded by donations from the public, we couldn’t do what we do without supporters like Steph and Stephen who took on this incredible challenge for us. We are so proud of both runners and so grateful for their determination in training for and completing such an achievement. It’s not too late to send our runners a congratulatory donation!”
If you’d like to fundraise for Redwings, please visit www.redwings.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-for-us
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