CAFOD at the London Marathon
On Sunday, 37 CAFOD runners lined up to take part in the London Marathon. So far, they have raised over £120,000!
The 2025 London Marathon set a new world record for the number of finishers despite hot conditions for its 45th edition. A total of 56,640 runners crossed the finish line at the end of the 26.2-mile route, and 37 of them were representing CAFOD.
Here are some of the amazing individuals who took on the London Marathon for CAFOD.
Grace, a teacher from Chertsey, said:
“I cannot put into words how incredible Sunday was. I didn’t think it was possible to feel every emotion within the space of five hours! What a day! Thank you Neil, Jess and everyone at CAFOD. It has been such a privilege to run for such an incredible charity.”
Rosie added:
“Sunday was such an unbelievable day. The whole journey from knowing I had a place, to starting the training and completely doubting I would ever be able to do it, to completing it. I have learnt so much. Not just mental toughness but that if you want something bad enough you can make it happen. I can’t thank all of you enough for being apart of that journey. Jess and Neil you’re incredible people thank you so, so much for everything that you do.
“I am also so happy that I have spread awareness for CAFOD. I have supported it for years and I was surprised to come across so many people that haven’t heard of it. I’m going to do a presentation for my school on where the sponsorship goes and what it does and how much it means to so many people.”
Tom works for CAFOD. He shared a message about the importance of the money that the team has raised.
“I’ve worked with CAFOD and our partners in Bangladesh, and lived and worked in South Sudan, moving back to the UK last year. I’ve seen first hand the life-saving and life-changing work that goes on. For example, supporting with emergency food and access to safe water for communities affected by conflict and climate change, empowering women’s groups and farming groups to generate income through small business ventures, supporting communities in peacebuilding, non-violent resolution to conflict, and so on.
“The work is vast, and only possible through the amazing efforts of supporters like you. I asked a woman who was taking part in CAFOD’s programmes in South Sudan if she had a message for supporters like you, and she said: “In our community, when you support someone it’s like you are their parent or family member, so tell them they have family in South Sudan.”
Andrew, another teacher, shared his personal connection to CAFOD’s work:
“I’ve also had a message from Sr Medhin of the Daughters of Charity in Mek’ele, Tigray (Ethiopia). I spent a summer working with the community a few years ago, and so I’ve seen first hand the way in which the money from CAFOD supports those most in need. The Abba Gebre Michael Project for Street Children is a very special place and does amazing work – I loved teaching there – but the sisters also ran eye clinics, women’s projects, business loan schemes, etc. It was incredible to see the different work they do.
“They were hit very hard by the recent conflict in Ethiopia and I am pleased Sr Medhin was able to pass on the good news of the CAFOD runners in the London Marathon to the sisters and children in Tigray.
“I had ‘For the children of Ethiopia’ printed on the bottom of my vest and, when times got tough during the run, I kept the sisters and the children at the forefront of my mind, knowing we would be raising a significant amount for projects like these around the world.”
Felicia gave thanks to God for helping her to cross the line:
“To God, I give glory and praise. One week before the day, I was dreading not going to make the marathon due to back and knee pain. Thanks to our Lord, I managed to complete it in some sort of style. Thanks also to Neil and Jess. God bless you.”
Would you or someone you know like to run for CAFOD? Get in touch!
Below are a number of other pictures from the day:
