London Marathon for The Seafarers' Charity

The Seafarers' Charity London Marathon 2026

I'm fundraising for... my maritime colleagues and friends, past and present

On 26 April 2026, I’ll be ignoring my late‑50s aging bones and taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon. I’m doing it to continue and honour the legacy of my father, Derek, who passed away in March 2025.

He was a lifelong supporter of King George’s Fund for Sailors (KGFS), the former name of The Seafarers’ Charity—an organisation that provides essential support to those who work at sea and their families.

The Seafarers’ Charity works tirelessly to improve lives, whether through emergency assistance, mental health support, or helping families stay connected.

Please be kind and generous in your sponsorship. Every donation helps extend the reach of this vital work and, moreover, will make my blisters and aches feel worthwhile. I’m already looking forward to the pint afterwards.

My Updates

Getting longer.....

Monday 9th Mar

On Sunday 8 Mar had a weird experience - a run without rain.  In fact, a cool morning with mist and gentle breeze.  Did it help me run further? probably not.  But 35km in the bag with the help of a few gels and an energy bar.

And still it rains

Sunday 1st Mar
When you are out and about and its devoid of dog walkers, it can only mean more horizontal rain for a 20km Sunday training run.  I hope its not dry on the 26 Apr, all this investment in running in soggy socks will be wasted.

30km !

Monday 23rd Feb
Managed 30km on Sunday 22 Feb.  And guess what, it rained throughout. I am now realising I am mad and 42km is a lot more than my usual park run distances: blisters and bleeding toe nails yesterday.  I have ordered new shoes. 

Slogging it out....

Sunday 8th Feb
After half a week enjoying the snow and eating my body weight in cheese at the Armed Forces Winter Sports Championships in Meribel, today's training run - a half marathon - was a bit of a slog.  I will be very stiff tomorrow.  A little merky at the seafront of Lee-on-the-Solent but miles in the bag.

The training has started

Monday 26th Jan
Why are long - well relatively as not really ramped up yet - weekend runs always wet? Ho hum....

Thank you to my Sponsors

£500

Bmt

BMT is proud to match fund £500 in support of your London Marathon run. An incredible effort, we’re behind you all the way!

£100

Zoe

Well done Dad!! Enjoy the training... And the recovery pints even more so

£53.32

Andrew Bell

Great cause Monty! Best of luck, and let us know where to buy you that pint...

£53.32

Rick

Good luck, it's a great cause, and legacy. And if you run like you ski there's no stopping you...!

£53.32

Emma Oneill

Good luck Monty!

£50

Adam, Emma, Jacob And Benji Northover

Fantastic cause Monty; we'll be rooting for you every step of the way. Best of luck.

£50

Becky Stanley 07792629349

Selfie poses need some work!!

£50

Tim, Claire, Lucy & Josh Xxxx

Run Monty Run!! Dont forget your trainers!!

£50

Vanessa Long

Good luck xxx

£50

Nicholas Jenner

Hi Monty, you can do this, just remember that the hardest part of any run is leaving your front door!

£50

Paul Haycock

Good on you Monty - great cause as well.

£50

Sarah P

Go Monty!

£32.23

Andrew Russell

Go for it Monty!

£30

Rupert Hare

Give it some, Monty.

£30

Portia Otoo

Good Luck Monty!! So proud!! your going to smash it :)

£27.05

Gareth Taylor

Run Forrest run 😊 Great cause Monty, and it will be a fantastic inspirational day. Enjoy every mile!

£27.05

Guy T

Good luck Monty!

£27.05

David Dring

Go for it Monty. Great cause to support. Make sure you weigh anchor before the starting gun. ATB.

£25

Karen Sanders

Well done, Monty!

£25

Al S

Great work Monty. Good luck

£25

Sarah Watkins

A great endeavour for a very worthwhile cause, your dad would be proud.

£21.84

Julian Woolley

Good luck Monty. A great challenge for a good cause.

£21.84

Trev D

Run like the wind, Monty!

£21.84

Matthew Gibson

Great cause. I am sure it will a walk in the park for you!

£21.84

Ben Randell-sly

£21.84

Jenni Williamson

Good luck Monty, especially with the temporary alcohol ban!

£21.84

Johanna

Fab cause. Wishing you the best of luck

£21.84

Ancia

All the best for your marathon!

£21.84

Sarah G

Wishing you the very best of luck for the marathon! You’re doing something incredible for such a great cause — cheering you on all the way!

£21.84

Alan

Go Monty Go

£21.84

Eshan

Go Monty!! Good luck, Eshan

£21.84

Matt Hart

Go for it Monty! I may join you...for the pint afterwards!

£20

Andrew Aldrich

Good luck old boy. Great cause.

£20

Laura B

Good luck Monty!

£20

Seamus Brogan

Good Luck Monty!

£20

Edyta Redfern

Good luck!

£20

Martyn Baker

Good luck Monty. Remember it's only one front in front of the other. You can do this.

£20

Shane

Great cause. Good luck Monty.

£20

Marie-christine Halle

Best of luck with this amazing challenge! What you’re doing to honour your dad and support The Seafarers’ Charity is truly inspiring. Hope the run goes brilliantly!

£20

Will Alexander

Top tip: keep going!