Runners in this year’s TCS London Marathon have broken an all-time record for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) – raising £85,000 for the new Cambridge Children's Hospital and Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital– with just 19 runners!
ACT’s team of runners came from across the UK, as far afield as Nottingham and Windsor, and many were first-time marathon runners. ACT is the official hospital charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, and is raising funds to build two pioneering new hospitals in Cambridge.
Racing to the finish: raising funds for two much-needed hospitals
Matt Allen, Director of New Hospital Construction at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) ran the London 2026 Marathon to raise funds for the new Cambridge Children's Hospital and Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. As a key member of the Project Team, he has worked closely with the architects, construction partners, patients and staff throughout the design and build process.
It was an honour to run the 2026 TCS London Marathon on behalf of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and Cambridge Children’s Hospital. Many thanks to everyone who supported me and kindly donated.
Matt Allen, Director of New Hospital Construction, CUH
Matt continues: "For the last three years, I’ve worked on the design and construction of the two new hospitals in Cambridge. These new facilities will revolutionise healthcare across the East of England and utilise the economic benefits of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
I will be now taking a break from running and avoiding stairs for the next few weeks!”
ACT runners raise impressive fundraising targets
Despite several runners taking on their first marathon, many achieved strong finishing times.
Runner Paul Collins came in with the fastest time – clocking in at 3.43.45 - and several runners came in sub four hours, including Georgia Basham, who ran with mum Nikki, and Jack Sibbons (aka ‘Uncle Jack’), who crossed the finish line at 3.58.
Jack was running for twin sister, Amy De Silva, who was diagnosed with leukaemia whilst pregnant with her third child. Jack – fondly referred to as ‘Uncle Jack’ for the support he gave to Amy and her boys – supported his sister throughout her journey and was there for the first chemotherapy session in every round of her treatment.
Despite concerns over her baby’s health, Amy gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Chester, nine months ago, giving him the middle name of Jack in a nod to her brother. Now in remission herself, Amy and her husband Greg were there on the day, with their three boys, to watch Jack cross the finish line. Their two older boys, Hugo and Dawson, wore t-shirts that read: Addenbrooke’s saved my life, and in Chester’s case, Addenbrooke’s saved my mummy and me.
Amy, who is now in remission, was joined by other family members on the day and said: “It was so hot! But Jack was amazing. We had a lovely day and it was so fabulous to be part of it and share it with him.”
Jack has raised more than £40,000 for ACT, including a children’s Hallowe’en party and colour run, as well as a gala dinner and auction.
ACT London Marathon 2027
If ACT’s runners have inspired you to raise funds for Cambridge Children's Hospital, applications for ACT London Marathon 2027 places (opens in a new tab) are now live.