Running 26.2 miles is no small task. But for Becky, Josh, Rob and Kurt, it’s about more than the distance. Behind every early morning run and evening sweat is something personal driving them forward.

As the London Marathon gets closer, we wanted to introduce you to our Team TLC for 2026 – the people taking it on for us.

Becky’s story is one that many of the families we support will recognise. She’s running in memory of her dad, her brother, and her husband – something she never imagined having to say out loud.

Her connection to The Laura Centre began when she was a child, after losing her brother to leukaemia. She remembers attending groups, memorial events and being part of an environment that felt safe, supportive and, importantly, not clinical.

Now, years later, that support has come full circle. Following the sudden loss of her husband in January 2025, Becky returned to the charity, this time as a parent. Her young son now attends play therapy sessions, giving him space to process his grief in his own way.

For Becky, running isn’t about pace or personal bests. Training has become a way to create space, both physically and mentally, in a year where getting through the day has often felt like enough. She runs in places that hold meaning, like Watermead Park and Bradgate Park, carrying memories with her every step of the way.

The marathon itself won’t fix what’s been lost. But for Becky, it’s a way of proving to herself that she can still do hard things, one step at a time.

You can donate to Becky’s fundraiser here.

Josh’s journey to the marathon started through his work, where he works alongside one of The Laura Centre’s Trustees. Hearing more about our charity made a lasting impression, and inspired him to get involved.

While The Laura Centre hasn’t directly supported Josh, he’s seen first-hand how important it is to have somewhere people can turn during difficult times. That’s what motivated him to take on the challenge.

Training has also had a big personal impact. What started as preparation for the marathon has become something much bigger, improving both his physical and mental wellbeing, and giving him a way to switch off from the day-to-day.

On marathon day, he’s most looking forward to the atmosphere. If you’ve ever been, you’ll know. The crowds, the energy, the support along the route – it’s something special.

You can donate to Josh’s fundraiser here.

(L-R Becky, Josh, Rob & Kurt)

For Rob, this year’s marathon is about honouring someone very close to him.

He’s running in memory of his brother-in-law, Matthew, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2022, leaving behind a partner and two young children.

The marathon already holds strong memories for Rob and his family. He ran it himself back in 2013, and later supported Matthew when he took on the challenge in 2019. This time, it’s different.

Rob is running not only to remember Matthew, but to celebrate his life and raise funds that will help support other families facing the same kind of loss. It’s also about ensuring that support is there for Matthew’s children, both now and in the future, if they need it.

You can donate to Rob’s fundraiser here.

Kurt is also part of this year’s London Marathon team, and has already been hard at work raising funds for The Laura Centre.

He’s hosted two comedy nights, one in January and another in September, bringing people together to raise money and awareness for bereaved families in our community.

We’re really grateful for the time and effort that goes into organising events like these, especially when Kurt’s busy training for the marathon.

You can donate to Kurt’s fundraiser here.

At The Laura Centre, we provide free specialist bereavement support to children, young people and adults across Leicester and the wider East Midlands.

Everything we do is made possible by people like Becky, Josh, Rob and Kurt – people who choose to take on a big challenge, often for deeply personal reasons, to help others through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

If you see them on the day, give them a cheer. And if you’re able to support them, every donation helps us continue to be there for families who need us.