Before and during the 2026 London Marathon our amazing 'Team Mates in Mind' will be helping us to raise awareness of, and have those all-important conversations about, mental health, as well as raising much needed funds.
When it comes to events, it doesn’t get bigger than the TCS London Marathon. Since 1981, marathon runners have raised over £1 billion for good causes, making it the largest annual fundraising event on the planet. The electric 2025 event even set a new Guinness World record, with the largest number of finishers.
Team Mates in Mind
We are excited to introduce Team Mates in Mind. We are truly grateful to Tom, Tom (yes there are two Tom’s), Chris and Nicole who will be running and fundraising for us.
They all have their personal reasons for doing this, but with one shared goal – to help us create psychosocially safe workplaces where every employee feels safe, supported and able to talk openly about mental health.
Please expand the sections below to find out more about each member of the team, follow their training updates, and support them by donating to their fundraising pages.
Meet Team Mates in Mind
Tom (in memory of Dad, Chris)
Running 26.2 miles in memory of my dad, to break the silence around mental health in construction.
Fundraising page: Mates in Mind: Thomas's page
I am running the marathon in memory of my dad, Chris, who we lost to suicide after a short period of mental ill-health caused by stress at work. His death is a painful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, no matter how loved, successful, or strong they seem.
Dad was a civil engineer who worked his way up to become a respected senior construction manager. He was dedicated to his work, a natural leader, and a mentor to so many young people in the industry. Above all, he was a devoted family man, loved by his colleagues, friends, and by us, his family.
Since losing him, my family and I have worked closely with Mates in Mind to raise awareness of mental ill-health in construction. Too many people in this industry struggle in silence, and I want to play my part in changing that.
By running 26.2 miles, I’m honouring my dad’s memory and raising vital funds so that Mates in Mind can continue supporting mental health and breaking the stigma.
Watch Chris’s story:
Tom (in memory of best friend, Joe)
Honouring my best friend Joe and raising awareness of mental health in construction.
Fundraising page: Mates in Mind: Tom's page
I’m running the marathon in memory of my lifelong best friend, Joe, who, like me, worked in construction. Having spent the past five years in the industry myself, supporting Mates in Mind is a cause that means a great deal to me.
Joe had a real passion for running, and I know he’d be incredibly proud to see me taking on this challenge. I’d never really considered running a marathon before, but when I saw the advert on our work noticeboard, I thought — life’s too short. This felt like my chance to step out of my comfort zone and push myself in his honour.
Running 26.2 miles is my way of helping to share the message that no one should face mental health struggles alone.
I’m also proud that my company, Marlborough Highways, has chosen Mates in Mind as our charity of the year. Together, we can raise awareness and make a real difference.
Chris
Running for every mate who ever said “I’m fine” when they weren’t.
Fundraising page: Mates in Mind: Chris's page
I am running the marathon for every mate who has ever said “I’m fine” when they weren’t. Having worked in the construction industry for over 20 years, I’ve seen first-hand how tough it can be — long hours, high pressure, and an old-school culture of “just getting on with it.”
Mental health often gets pushed aside, and too many people suffer in silence. With my brother and many close friends also in the industry, I know how vital it is to have support from people who understand the challenges.
That’s why I’ve chosen to run the London Marathon 2026 for Mates in Mind. My previous employer, Huws Gray, also proudly supports the charity, which is doing incredible work to break the stigma around mental ill-health.
Every step I take will be for my colleagues, friends, and family in construction — a reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Nicole
Standing up for mental health in transport — because our drivers deserve better.
Fundraising page: Mates in Mind: Nicole's page
I am running the marathon because mental health in transport can no longer be ignored. For over six years, I’ve worked for FORS (the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme), supporting transport and logistics professionals with the aim of creating safer roads for everyone.
In that time, I’ve seen the toll the job can take — physically, mentally, and emotionally. The facts are stark: 31% of drivers live with anxiety, 15% with depression, and suicide rates in men aged 45–59 are at their highest since 1981. With the average driver being 53, this group is at extremely high risk. On top of that, drivers have a 15-year lower life expectancy compared to the general population.
But these aren’t just numbers — they are our friends, families, and neighbours. That’s why I’m proud to run for Mates in Mind, a charity dedicated to ending the stigma around mental health in transport, logistics, and construction.
This marathon is my way of giving back to an industry I care deeply about and standing up for those who too often feel they must suffer in silence. Every mile I run is for the workers who keep this country moving.
How to get involved
- Donate to the fundraising page(s) in the expandable section above.
- Sign up to our newsletter (using the form at the bottom of this page) to be kept informed of the Team’s progress.
- Help fundraise for us, either through your own activities, or, if you were one of the lucky ballot entrants and will be running next year’s marathon – find out how you can become part of 'Team Mates in Mind' below.
Being Part Of Team Mates in Mind
If you are running in the 2026 London Marathon but have not yet selected the charity you would like to fundraise for, we’d love you to join our team.
By fundraising for us, you will be helping us in our mission to create environments and cultures that promote positive mental health, because everyone matters.
Join our team and receive:
- Dedicated support and guidance from our experienced fundraising team.
- A Mates in Mind running top.
- A fundraising pack complete with fundraising ideas, inspiration and digital fundraising resources and templates.
- Social media support.
To find out more, and to join 'Team Mates in Mind', please email [email protected].
Contact Us

Continue reading - Donations
Your donations and support, enables our charity to continue helping organisations across the UK to improve and prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of their workforces, providing them the skills, clarity and confidence to invest in the health of their people.
Ways to donate
Continue reading - Fundraising
Whether organising your own fundraising activity (no matter how active, wet or muddy you choose to be!) or taking part in an organised annual event, you’ll be helping us to raise funds and awareness for Mates in Mind.
Fundraising