23 April 2018

Beanstalk’s London Marathon runners all successfully completed the gruelling 26-mile race yesterday enduring scorching heat - including one dressed as a Gingerbread man! All six of Beanstalk’s #RunnerBeans braved record temperatures to cross the finish line and in doing so have so far raised an incredible £10,618.67 for the charity.

The money will ensure that Beanstalk is able to reach more primary school children across England who have fallen behind with reading. This involves training volunteers to support children in local primary schools to pass on the magic of stories and books.

Ginny Lunn, Chief Executive of Beanstalk, said: “We are so proud of all our runners who took on the London Marathon yesterday to help raise awareness and funds for Beanstalk, especially in the heat! You did yourselves and us proud and your efforts will ensure we can continue our vital work across England. Thank you to all our Beanstalk #RunnerBeans you really are an inspiration!” 

Among the runners were Beanstalk’s own Becky Fazackerley (a Beanstalk Coordinator in Yorkshire), Steven Wiltshire - who ran in a Gingerbread Man’s costume, Abbie MacArthur, Benjamin Bouchet, Paul Cowling and Lisanna Stotts.

Benjamin was Beanstalk’s quickest runner, finishing the race in a remarkable time of 03:36:19! This is why he wanted to participate for Beanstalk:

“Not every kid has the luck of having parents or carers reading them stories or encouraging them to chat about their day. I believe everyone should have the same opportunities to do so. Beanstalk's vision is a nation of confident children who can read and grow up to lead successful lives. I am raising funds for them to continue providing long term support to disadvantaged children, training the staff and supporting the costs of books etc.”

All the information about our runners including their Virgin Money pages can be found here.

If you would like to find out more about how you can help get involved in fundraising for Beanstalk please visit the fundraising pages.