For the first time, Magpas Air Ambulance secured coveted charity places in the London Marathon this year.
The Cambridgeshire-based charity had hundreds of applications, and four successful supporters are taking on the iconic race later this month, on Sunday, 26th April.
Godmanchester-based Devon Wallwein is running in memory of his dad. He explains, “On 5th January 2025, just a few days before his birthday, I lost my dad to a heart attack. He was a healthy 59-year-old man, but that day he collapsed in our family home. Magpas Air Ambulance was scrambled and did everything they possibly could before taking him to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. But sadly, Dad passed away that night."
“I've always wanted to make my parents proud of everything I do. In honour of my dad, and in support of this incredible charity, I’ve decided to run the London Marathon 2026 and raise vital funds for Magpas Air Ambulance—giving back to the people who tried their upmost to save my dad, so they can be there for other people at the worst moment of their lives.”
Additionally, it’s been a lifelong dream of Elliot’s to run the London Marathon and, as the brother-in-law of someone whose life was saved by the charity, feels passionate about taking on this challenge for Magpas Air Ambulance.
He says, “Having been a part of their amazing family for eight years, I’ve witnessed first-hand Alice’s inspiring story and recovery, and all the fundraising they have done for Magpas Air Ambulance since. I feel strongly that 2026 is year to raise money and awareness; supporting the lifesaving work of the team who saved my sister-in-law’s life, and who continue to save so many others.”
Someone else taking on this feat this month is Claire McFadyzean, who explains, “Unfortunately for me and my family, we have had to call upon Magpas Air Ambulance twice over the years.
“When I was 18, I had a huge horse-riding incident, and it was Magpas Air Ambulance that reached me first. From this moment on, the charity has always been on my radar. However, two years ago my brother had a heart attack. A critical care crew from Magpas Air Ambulance came to him and, although he very sadly didn’t make it, I know he was given the best possible chance.”
Claire only became a runner later on in life, but doesn’t take this once-in-a-lifetime challenge lightly, adding that she’s “honoured to represent Magpas Air Ambulance.”
Finally, Jamie Casey, who lives in Spalding and works with East Anglian recruiting company, The ONE Group, knows Magpas Air Ambulance for a variety of reasons. The business has become one of the charity’s biggest corporate supporters, with employees fundraising annually for their local air ambulance charity. However, Jamie also has a personal connection to the cause too. He shares “When one of my closest friends was involved in a serious car accident in Peterborough, it was Magpas Air Ambulance that made the difference between life and death. I genuinely believe that without Magpas Air Ambulance, their rapid response and the advanced care they delivered on scene, he wouldn’t be here today.
“That moment changed my perspective on the vital role this charity plays, not just in saving lives, but in supporting families and communities through some of their darkest moments. It inspired a lasting gratitude and a drive in me to give back in a meaningful way."
“Running the London Marathon is not just a personal challenge, it’s a way for me to say thank you; to raise awareness; and to give others the same chance my friend was given. Every step I run will be driven by the knowledge that I’m helping keep this incredible service running for the next person who desperately needs it.”
As well as these four runners who managed to secure Magpas Air Ambulance’s charity places, an additional five local people were lucky enough to get in through the ballot and have also chosen to run for the air ambulance service that saves lives in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and beyond 24/7.
Magpas Air Ambulance also has representatives running in the Paris, Brighton and Manchester Marathons this month, as well as the London Landmarks Half. If you’re interested in running for Magpas Air Ambulance in the future, visit magpas.org.uk or contact fundraising@magpas.org.uk.
