Two supporters of Redwings Horse Sanctuary are running the London Marathon, thought to be the first time anyone has run the world-famous race on behalf of the charity in its 40-year history.
Both Steph Callen and Stephen Kennard discovered they had gained their places when their names were pulled out of the public ballot in the summer.
Since then, the pair have been focussing on their training, ready to take on the 26.2-mile challenge on 27th April.
You can sponsor Steph here and Stephen here. Both are welcoming sponsorship for their efforts, with all their fundraising going towards Redwings.
Redwings is one of the largest horse welfare charities in the UK and provides specialist veterinary and lifelong sanctuary care to horses, ponies, donkeys and mules 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. They are currently responsible for more than 2,000 rescued equines in total.
Steph, who worked for Redwings for almost ten years, has used the London Marathon as an incentive to return to running having taken a break to have her daughter in 2022.
She said: “I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that takes place here to care for animals whose lives would have otherwise looked bleak. Everyone really does pull together to ensure every horse who walks through the Sanctuary’s gates receives the love they so desperately deserve. So, when my name was pulled out of the public ballot, it wasn’t difficult to decide which charity I should run for.”
Steph added: “I used to run regularly, and I tried many times to ease my way back into it after having my daughter, but something always seemed to get in the way – illness, injury, sheer tiredness! At the start of last year, as a bit of added encouragement, my husband dared me to run a marathon, so I put my name into the London ballot and, well, here we are!
“It hasn’t been easy juggling life around the challenges of marathon training, but it’s been going well so far and I’m feeling positive.”
Supporter Steven completed the virtual London Marathon in 2021, but this will be his first experience of the event. On choosing to raise money for Redwings, Stephen said: “My partner Fi works at Redwings’ Norfolk headquarters, caring for the horses and donkeys that live there, and I’m hoping I can raise lots of money to support them too.
“After entering the London Marathon ballot for many years, this year was my lucky year! I have been an avid runner for several years, and I’m looking forward to taking on the race in London itself!
“Now the weather is hopefully improving I will be getting stuck into my training ready for the big day.”
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 are taking on such an incredible challenge for us. We wish them all the best with their marathons, and with every mile they take on they will be changing the lives of horses and donkeys in need.”
A regular blog series where you’ll be able to follow Steph and Stephen’s training and how to support them can be found on Redwings’ website – www.redwings.org.uk
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