Wiltshire's London Marathon runners
Dozens of people are taking to the capital's streets in support of local charities
Thousands of people will be running the streets of the capital today for the London Marathon and many people from Wiltshire are among them.
They're supporting local charities and hoping they can boost their critical services and help others in need.
Among them are parents, business manager and world record holders.
The stars supporting their local hospital
A group of 16 are supporting the Stars Appeal, with retired surgeon, Helen Chave among them.
She said it was an "easy decision" to support the Stars Appeal, which is Salisbury District Hospital's charity.
"I was involved with the Stars Appeal a lot when I worked at the hospital and I could see first hand what it did for our patients as relatives and the staff, sort of going above and beyond what the NHS can provide," she said. "Now I've retired, I'm seeing it from the other side and I'm taking friends and relatives to the hospital. And once again, you can actually see the evidence of what it does for the local community."
Helen is running her second marathon and says it's an honour to be part of such an event.
she said: "To be able to run through our capital city with closed roads, marshalled, with crowds screaming at you. It's quite incredible, the sounds, the smells, the sights, the camaraderie. It's just the most amazing atmosphere. And to be able to run it and raise money for the stars appeal. Fantastic."
Also part of the Stars Appeal team is Charles Carter, who's supporting the charity after the care his son, Cuthbert, received for burns.
The then-17-month-old had spilt hot tea over himself and required two operations, including a skin graft and a two week stay on Sarum Children's Ward.
Charles, 42, said: “The support we received from Salisbury Hospital and the Stars Appeal made all the difference, from play areas, play therapists, facilities, W-Fi and even a bed so his mummy had somewhere to sleep in his room.”
“As soon as Cuthbert’s risk of infection was low enough for him to come out of his room and he could play with all the toys in the play areas and the sensory room provided by the Stars Appeal, our son was brought back to life, he started smiling again.”
Cuthbert, now three, has made a full recovery.
Another member of the team is 29-year-old Jamie Jackson, who was seriously injured in a car accident in 2020.
He suffered hand injuries, with skin from his leg grated onto his hand, which has impacted his walking.
Jamie said: “After my accident, I only had use of one hand and one strong leg. Everyday tasks like cleaning my teeth or putting on a pair of socks became a real struggle. Salisbury District Hospital played a huge role in getting my life back on track.
“I spent eight long and challenging months with the plastics, hand therapy, Wessex Rehabilitation, and laser unit teams, followed by two years of ongoing treatment as I recovered from my life changing injuries. Without the help of everyone at the hospital and the specialist equipment and facilities provided by the Stars Appeal I would not have the life I have today.”
We can support the Stars Appeal team here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/teamstarsappeal26
Pair supporting homelessness charity
Salisbury-based homelessness charity Alabaré has two people running on its behalf today.
Richie Whitaker, who managers GAIL's bakery in the city is tackling the 26.2 miles today after getting involved in the organisations BIG Sleep at Stonehenge last November, where GAIL's provided .
Richie spent the night at the ancient monument to learn more about the charity.
He said: “From the first moment I met the team and chatted about the charity, I knew it was such a brilliant cause, not just for getting people off the streets and giving them a place, but actually putting in that foundation to stop it happening in the future. At GAIL’s, we’re all about connecting with the community, so I thought it would be a great partnership to support a great charity.”
Richie added: "I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve done it before about the actual event itself, and they’ve all told me about how brilliant the atmosphere is."
We can support Richie here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/richard-whitaker
Ellis Robinson is also running for Alabaré, having worked within the charity's Homes for Veterans scheme in South Wales, aiding ex-service personnel through their journey to ending homelessness.
He said: "The services enable people to start afresh and lay foundations for the next chapter of their lives.
“The reality is that homelessness can happen to anyone. It’s not just about losing a home; it often comes with deep personal struggles, such as mental health challenges, trauma, and isolation. ALABARÉ provides safe accommodation, practical support, and compassionate care to help people get back on their feet and move towards independence.”
We can find Ellis' fundraising page here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ellis-robinson
World Record Holder first to run for domestic abuse charity
Gary MacAlister is no stranger to running long distances, having claimed a world record in 2025.
Then running on behalf of the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, he completed the Bristol half marathon dressed as a 3D aircraft in record time and now he's achieving another first, as one of the first people to run the London Marathon for FearFree.
The Trowbridge-based charity supports survivors of domestic abuse across Wiltshire and beyond.
“This is a huge honour for me,” said Gary, who is returning to the London Marathon for the first time in 16 years.
"So to finally run it – and to do so for such an important local charity – is something I’m incredibly excited about. Charities like FearFree often don’t receive the attention they deserve. Shining a light on their work, and on the people who rely on them, is the least I can do.”
Gary's fundraising page can be found here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gary-macalister