London Marathon 2026 Team DEBRA raise £54,000 and counting
26.2 miles later on Sunday 26th April 2026, #TeamDEBRA crossed the finish line and made a lasting impact.
We are incredibly proud to congratulate all 23 of our phenomenal runners who took part in the 2026 TCS London Marathon in support of DEBRA. Their determination, passion and resilience helped raise an amazing £54,000 and counting, all going towards our mission to stop the pain of epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Our 2026 team included some truly inspiring individuals:
- Iwona Paciorkowska, ran for her son Kacper who lives with Dystrophic EB, and to give a voice to all “butterfly children” and their families.
- Chloe Cheyne took on the marathon as an EB Clinical Nurse Specialist at Birmingham Children’s hospital, bringing her professional insight and dedication to supporting people living with EB.
- Simon Callaghan ran in memory of his daughter, Chelsea, who lived with Recessive Dystrophic EB, to honour her life and the support DEBRA provided to his family.
- Francesca Palmer, who lives with EB herself, ran in gratitude for the support DEBRA has provided her family since her son was just six weeks old.
- Philip Batty is supporting DEBRA through his personal connection with long‑standing supporter Graeme Souness.
- Alan O’Donnell took on the challenge for his son, Liam, who lives with EB.
- Hamish Irvine was motivated to get involved after attending DEBRA events and meeting people living with EB, which deepened his understanding of the condition, building on a connection to DEBRA through his father, Jim Irvine.”
- Joanna Hazell ran again for DEBRA, having previously fundraised through the marathon and drawing inspiration from EB campaigner Isla Grist and her family.
- Dan Clark ran after seeing first‑hand the difference DEBRA makes through his involvement at charity events and connections with supporters.
- Ann Avarne, DEBRA UK’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, took on the marathon to support the charity she works with every day, helping to raise vital funds and awareness to improve the lives of people living with EB.
- Gareth Howell ran in loving memory of his friend Iqbal, who lived with EB and inspired everyone around him with his strength and positivity.
- Finn Simpson, who lives with EB, chose to run to give back to DEBRA in recognition of the lifetime of support he has received
- Douglas Boler ran as a supporter of his partner, DEBRA Ambassador Lucy Beall Lott, determined to help raise awareness and funds to fight EB.
We are so proud of each and every runner who represented DEBRA at one of the world’s most iconic races. Your fundraising, awareness-raising, and sheer perseverance are helping to bring us closer to a world where no one suffers from the pain of EB. From all of us at DEBRA – thank you. 🦋💙