Farmers’ marathon feats raise thousands for charities

Farmers braved the heat as they tackled the London and Manchester marathons, pushing their limits to raise vital funds for both farming and non-farming charities.

From combating mental health challenges in rural areas to funding vital agricultural research, their efforts highlighted the often-overlooked struggles of farmers and their families.

It was the first time both major UK marathons were held on the same day – Sunday 27 April.

See also: New ‘Walk in the Park’ event to support wellbeing in agriculture

Lincolnshire arable farmer Charles Anyan ran the Manchester Marathon in a speedy time of 3hrs 31mins, raising almost £1,300 for the Farming Community Network (FCN).

“It was a really tough day at the office – the conditions were brutal,” said Charles, an FCN ambassador.

“I was glad to get it done and raise funds for the Farming Community Network.

“I’m so grateful to everybody who sponsored me again.”

NFU Herefordshire county adviser Ali Parker completed London Marathon in 4hrs 21mins, raising more than £15,000 for We Are Farming Minds, a charity tackling mental health and rural isolation in farming communities. 

Craig Dennis, who suffered life-changing injuries following an accident at his parent’s farm near North Tawton, Devon, completed the 26.2-mile London Marathon course in 3hrs 46mins in his wheelchair – raising more than £5,000 for the Rooprai Spinal Trust.

Farm Africa runners

A number of farmers ran the London Marathon in aid of Farm Africa, a charity that supports sustainable agricultural development and helps farmers in East Africa improve their livelihoods and combat food insecurity.

These included Hertfordshire farmer and former NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts, Devon YFC vice chairwoman Anneliese Retallick and Jake Richards, a farmer’s son from Bury St Edmunds, who works as an agriculture sustainability manager at Sainsbury’s.

Devon sheep farmers Alice and Rich Rossiter ran London Marathon together every step of the way, raising more than £34,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, placing them in the top five of all London Marathon 2025 fundraisers.

The couple were running in memory of Rich’s father, David Rossiter, a Devon sheep farmer and active member of the National Sheep Association who died on 17 November last year after a long battle with cancer.

Alice and Rich Rossiter with Rich’s late father, David Rossiter (centre) © Alice Rossiter

David devoted decades to improving an promoting the Poll Dorset in the UK.

He was a pioneer of using estimated breeding values for performance recording and was a much-loved and well-known figure in the sheep farming sector.

“What a journey and what wonderful support. Two very emotional people right now,” posted Alice on Facebook after their run.

Tim Farron MP, the Liberal Democrats’ agriculture spokesperson, completed the London Marathon in a very respectable time of 4hrs 41mins, to raise money for Growing Well in Cumbria.

© Tim Farron

“Flipping done it! Thanks so much to everyone who sponsored to me and gave money to the fantastic mental health charity Growing Well.

“It’s not too late to support them here,” Tim posted on Facebook.