News & blogs News Meet our London Marathon Dream Team! Runners from across the UK are getting ready to take on this year’s London Marathon, each one running for Alopecia UK with a story and motivation that truly matters to them. Some have secured their place through the public ballot, while others have been lucky enough to receive one of our four charity entries. Together, they’ve already raised thousands of pounds through their incredible dedication and fundraising efforts. Because of them, we can continue to provide vital support, build a strong community, and offer education for individuals affected by alopecia across the UK. Read on to hear from some of these inspiring runners…(Should you wish to support them, click on their names and you will be taken to their individual fundraising page). Pollyanne "My son was just 11 in 2024 when he first developed patches of alopecia. As a family we were so stressed and had no idea what to expect. Alopecia UK became an invaluable source of information and advice and their online support group allowed me to meet other parents going through the same thing and begin to understand options out there for treatment.” I have run half marathons for a while but didn’t think I had a full one in me. Last year I finally decided it was something I really wanted to do after watching the London marathon and seeing so many inspirational people running for great causes. As I also had a great cause, close to my heart, I felt ready to throw myself into training and fundraising." Lyndsay "I first discovered Alopecia UK in 2020 after I was diagnosed. My early interactions were online, but once face-to-face meetings resumed, I began attending the Aberdeen meetings. I found them to be incredibly supportive and a genuine safe space where I could talk openly and share my experiences with others who truly understood.” I’ve always said that if I ever ran the London Marathon for charity, it would be for Alopecia UK. When I saw there were four charity places available for 2026, I jumped at the chance to apply. I also applied through the ballot and for a club place through my running club because I was determined that 2026 would be the year I ran London and raised money for Alopecia UK. After my initial diagnosis, I went through a very frustrating and upsetting period, and Alopecia UK provided support at a time when I really needed it. Being able to give something back to a charity that helped me so much feels incredibly important. Alopecia UK does so much to support and create a sense of community for those affected, and if my fundraising can help give even a little back to a charity that means so much to so many people, I feel truly honoured to be representing them." Tommy “I’ve lived with alopecia on and off since I was 14, so it’s been a significant part of my journey for a long time. When the opportunity arose to represent Alopecia UK at one of the world’s most iconic races, I knew I had to lace up my trainers. It’s a chance to turn my personal experience into a platform for awareness.” Fundraising for Alopecia UK means providing others with the support and community I wish I’d had at 14. It’s about more than just a race. It’s about funding research and building a world where hair loss doesn't define a person's worth or confidence.” Shawn "I’m privileged and proud to run on behalf of my daughter. The support I have had has been overwhelming. I have been part of the alopecia community for the past 11 years. As a family we have been on many of Alopecia UK's organised events and we will also be attending Alton Towers in April. Over the years I have always said I would run for Alopecia UK but never had the opportunity until now. I would recommend anyone to get involved in supporting Alopecia UK!" Sidharth "Growing up, my sister had alopecia, and I saw first-hand how challenging it was for her—made even harder by the lack of awareness and support around the condition. Because of this, discovering Alopecia UK, and being able to support their work, means a great deal to me. I’m most looking forward to being part of the incredible atmosphere—the energy from the supporters, the other runners, and the sense of shared achievement on the day." We also have Jennifer and Ben using their own ballot places to raise funds and awareness for Alopecia UK. If you are watching the race on Sunday 26th April, either on the TV or in-person in London, please keep an eye out for our brilliant runners and give them a cheer! Finally, we asked some of our runners what they would say to anyone thinking about getting involved in fundraising for Alopecia UK this year, here’s what they had to say… “Just go for it! Find an activity that truly appeals to you. Whether it's running, baking, or something entirely unique and get involved. You aren't just raising money, you’re helping a community feel seen and supported.” – Tommy “The team at Alopecia UK are incredibly responsive, welcoming, and supportive, and it’s a great way to contribute to an important cause.” – Sidharth “Get stuck in! The more money we raise, and the more we shine a light on the charity and alopecia in general, the more chance we have of raising awareness, funding research and hopefully one day finding that cure.” – Pollyanne “I would say just do it. When I started fundraising, I quickly realised how many people around me were affected by alopecia, or knew someone who was. It really opened my eyes to how widespread it is and how important the work Alopecia UK does truly is. Getting involved not only helps raise vital funds, but also starts conversations, builds understanding, and shows people they’re not alone.” – Lyndsay If running the London Marathon for Alopecia UK is a dream of yours, apply for one of our 2027 places here. (To maximise our places in the event, please apply in the public ballot too). Or if you'd like to support Alopecia UK but running a marathon is not your thing, check out the other ways you can support us here. Manage Cookie Preferences