Joined by Floella Benjamin & Snowy Brooks in Battersea Park

London Marathon runners warming up to support Barnardo’s were put through their paces in Battersea Park by three of the charity’s most athletic VIP supporters.


Floella, Daley and Snowy inspire Barnardo’s marathon runners

Barnardo’s Challenge Patron and double Olympic Champion Daley Thompson led a two-hour track session at the park’s Millennium Arena on Saturday, February 20, with help from Vice President Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE and Snowy Brooks, a former Barnardo’s boy and decathlete.

A group of 22 runners turned out to take some tips and encouragement from all three celebrity runners on making it through the tough event on April 24. They will be among 147 athletes representing Barnardo’s in this year’s London Marathon, raising vital funds to support the charity’s work in its 150th anniversary year.

Daley, who opened a gym near his home in Putney last year, said:
“Preparing for a marathon is as much about mind-set as physical fitness. The Barnardo’s runners were very committed to the training and I hope we’ve helped them to focus on the kind of techniques that will get them over the finish line on the day.”

Floella, who lives in south London and has completed an amazing ten consecutive London Marathons for Barnardo’s as well as two Great North Runs, said:
“It’s fantastic that these runners have taken on the London Marathon to support Barnardo’s vital work around the UK. It’s an important year for the charity and every one of these individuals will help to ensure it is always here for the most vulnerable families, children and young people.”

The training day was organised to say thank you to the runners and to inspire them to raise as much money as possible between now and April.