Make 2026 Your Year of Fitness and Fundraising: Graeme Takes on the London Marathon for The Ark

As many of us set New Year’s resolutions to get fitter and healthier, one inspiring supporter has already taken the plunge and committed to a major challenge for a cause close to his heart. Graeme Tunbridge is training for the 2026 TCS London Marathon in aid of The Ark, and his story shows how raising money for charity can go hand-in-hand with working toward a personal fitness goal.

Graeme’s decision to sign up came during a festive family conversation last Christmas — and a suggestion that seemed both ambitious and a bit mad. As he explains: “the combination of ‘good cause’ and ‘unreasonable physical challenge’ turned out to be oddly compelling.”

Although he’d never run more than 10 km before, Graeme discovered a love for running as his training progressed. After completing a half marathon last autumn, he set himself the ambitious target of aiming for a sub-3-hour finish in London — a goal he describes as “either ambitious or deeply foolish — probably both.”

His motivation is rooted in his connection to The Ark through family: “my sister-in-law worked there until very recently, so I already knew what an extraordinary charity it is.”

Graeme’s challenge is a great example of how taking part in a physical challenge — whether a marathon, a 5K, a parkrun, a local cycling event or even a personal distance target — can be a powerful motivator for getting fit in 2026 and raising funds for brilliant local causes like The Ark.

And if you’re inspired by Graeme’s story, please consider joining him by supporting his fundraising page. 

If you’re thinking about taking on a challenge yourself this year — big or small — why not do it with a purpose? Your training miles could help support The Ark’s work and make a real difference to the people we support.

If you want to find out more about how we can support your fundraising ideas, please contact us at ark@shrewsburyark.org.uk or call us on 01743 363 305.