Meet Our 2026 London Marathon Team
Our incredible runners are taking on the challenge of a lifetime, pushing their limits mile by mile. United by determination and purpose, they’re running to make a real difference.
Meet Lydia!
Hi, I am Lydia, I am 29 years old and weirdly had the London Marathon on my unusual bucket list from about 18. I ran a little bit of cross country when I was a lot younger, but I definitely don’t class myself as a runner and haven’t run any of my adult years. I think maybe that is why I wanted it on my bucket list because it was such a ridiculous challenge. I have entered the London Marathon ballot for the last four years in hope of getting a place but always been unsuccessful, but I started running the odd 5k in May this year just in case. The odds were in my favour this year when the opportunity came to run for RDA.
I have worked for RDA for 4 years and owning a horse myself, I know first hand the importance of the equine connection on a person’s wellbeing. Spending time with horses as well as riding, really does enrich lives and the impact our RDA groups and centres have across the UK is undeniable. But there are so many more people who need access to RDA and we can only reach them with support of volunteers, our wonderful equines and generous donations so I am happy that I can tick off a bucket list item and support the most incredible charity and push myself brutally for the next 5 months in training.
Meet Joe!
Hello! I’m Joey Ashman an actor and apparently now amateur runner! My connection with horses began in 2017 when I played Callum in the Netflix original series Free Rein and since then have grown to love and be a part of the equestrian world. It was a true honour to be announced as an RDA ambassador last year, and now to be running the London Marathon is incredibly exciting with a sprinkle of fear in there too.
Meet Nicola!
I’m Nicola and I feel so lucky to be able to represent RDA for the London Marathon in 2026.
I have been volunteering with my local RDA group since April 2025. I find helping here so rewarding. I love seeing how riding brings the children attending the group such joy and how you see a noticeable improvement week after week. We have even witnessed a virtually non verbal child say ‘faster’ with a very cheeky smile!
I’ve been running for about 10 years now, starting by entering local fun runs and going on to the Cambridge Half Marathon a few times. I ran my 1st Marathon in Berlin September 2025 and really enjoyed the experience.
Running the London Marathon has always been a dream of mine, ever since watching it as a child on the TV. I’m so looking forward to running it in aid of RDA and hope to do them proud!
Meet Katherine!
Katherine Tuckley, Equine Sales Manager at Red Gorilla®, is proudly joining the RDA London Marathon Team for 2026. Katherine has dedicated more than 15 years to the equestrian industry in the UK and overseas, holding roles including Head Groom for international dressage rider and trainer, before moving into her commercial role at Red Gorilla®. For the past decade, she has played a key part in supporting equestrian retailers, customers, and partners across the industry.
Her decision to take on the London Marathon combines a lifelong passion for horses with a personal commitment to giving back. Katherine is driven by the life-changing impact the RDA has on thousands of disabled children and adults through therapeutic riding and carriage driving. Red Gorilla® is a long-standing supporter of the RDA and proudly sponsors Paddy, one of the much-loved horses at the National Training Centre. Katherine’s fundraising challenge strengthens this partnership and aims to further support the charity’s essential work.
Katherine said:
“Running the London Marathon is going to be the biggest personal challenge I’ve ever taken on, but knowing I’ll be raising funds for the RDA, a charity that truly changes lives, will drive me every step of the way.”
Meet Milo!
I’m Milo and I’m a PE teacher in London. I grew up on the Suffolk coast and love playing sport and being active. I’m running the London Marathon for the RDA to represent my school where the pupils chose the RDA as the school charity for the year. This is one of several fund raising events that will take place at the school throughout the year. I am very proud to represent both the RDA and Thomas’s Battersea!
