Meet some of our runners who are raising funds for Time & Talents at the TCS London Marathon in 2026 

Every year, we receive hundreds of applications from members of our community who are looking to raise funds for Time & Talents by running the TCS London Marathon. This year, we have seven people who have been training hard for months in order to cross that finish line. Their hard work means that we can continue to offer free spaces at all of our activities and free transport to anyone who needs them. Get to know some of them, why they wanted to run for Time & Talents, and support their fundraising goals below.

Interested in running the London Marathon for Time & Talents in 2027? Email us: info@timeandtalents.org.uk.

Meet some of our runners for TCS London Marathon, 2026

Marianne Whitlock

I’m incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon in support of Time & Talents Association, a truly phenomenal grassroots charity that sits right at the heart of its community. What I love most about Time & Talents Association is its no-frills, people-first approach, every single penny raised goes straight back into supporting local families, children, and older people in the very neighbourhoods the London Marathon route passes through.

I’ve been privileged to run for Time & Talents several times now, and each year I’m reminded why this cause means so much to me. Knowing that my miles can help fund breakfast clubs, meal packages, and companionship for those who need it most keeps me going when the training gets tough and when the legs start to ache on race day. It’s that sense of real, tangible impact, helping people just around the corner, that makes every step worthwhile.

Supporting a small local charity aligns completely with my own values. I believe in community, in looking out for one another and in championing organisations that quietly make an extraordinary difference without fanfare. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to support Time & Talents Association again and to play a small part in helping them continue their vital work.

Every message of encouragement and every donation means more than you know, and I’ll be carrying that support with me all the way to the finish line.

Contribute to Marianne’s fundraising goal here 

Alisa Dolgova

After my twins were born, life changed in an instant. I wouldn’t change it for the world, but with my family on the other side of the world, early motherhood could feel unexpectedly isolating. I longed for connection, and that’s when I came across Time & Talents.

It wasn’t just about activities or groups; it was about finding a local community where I felt part of something bigger than myself. Those first experiences with T&T deepened my sense of belonging in my own neighbourhood.

Fast forward a few years, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Trustee of Time & Talents for the last four years. I’ve seen first-hand just how extraordinary this charity is. From supporting isolated older people, to running groups for children and families, to building connections across all ages, I have been continually inspired by the breadth, impact, and heart behind every effort.

This will be my first marathon since the aforementioned twins arrived on the scene – only a charity this worthy could tempt me back into the marathon madness!

By donating to the Time & Talents London Marathon 2026 team, you’ll be enabling us to support local people, young and old, from the little ones who have fun dancing at Mischief Squad, to the older adults who have made new friends at Pub Club or one of our walking groups. Every donation allows us to continue our work, whether matching volunteer befrienders with housebound older people, running our Stroke Club, or providing kids with fun activities, healthy food and opportunities to make new friends.

We spend every pound our Marathon team raises on fighting the isolation experienced by so many older people, and on supporting kids and families bearing the brunt of years of government cuts and reduced services.

Contribute to Alisa’s fundraising goal here

Anthony Lythell

I am running for T&T as I live (Bermondsey) and work (PwC – More London Place) in the Southwark area and wanted to raise money for a local charity.

Contribute to Anthony’s fundraising goal here

Dassos Alexandrou

I am running for T&T because I work nearby (Canary Wharf) and I wanted to give something back to a worthy cause in the local community. I was drawn to T&T because of the sense of community and kinship that the users of the facilities have.  To me, charities like T&T are very important to ensure that we build inclusion in our communities and that cost does not cut people off from society

Some other things about me – I am 39, enjoy running, and this will (hopefully) be my fourth marathon, but one that I have been most desperate to do. I have done the Manchester Marathon in 2024, where I also ran for an Essex-based children and adults care charity called Hamelin, which is a charity I used to chair and is close to where I live, and the Brighton Marathon in 2025. I also ran the Tokyo Marathon 2026.

Contribute to Dassos’ fundraising goal here

Read more 

• Read our Annual Report from 2024/2025
• Meet the women who founded Time & Talents almost 140 years ago
• And see what our community shared in our Annual Survey 2025