Get Involved | Make a Difference to Individuals in Derby & Derbyshire

London Marathon

By joining Team YMCA Derbyshire for the London Marathon, you will help us continue our life-changing work supporting young people and local communities across Derby and Derbyshire.
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Run the London Marathon for YMCA Derbyshire

Our charity has been at the heart of the country since 1847, we give stability, growth and opportunity to individuals, families and the local community when times are toughest. From housing and education to community support services, every penny raised will go towards our mission of giving people safe spaces and opportunities so they can belong, contribute and thrive. 

You can get in touch with the YMCA London Marathon team at [email protected].

By joining Team YMCA, you help to transform the lives of young people and communities

We know that training for and running the London Marathon is a big challenge to undertake so we will be with you every step of the way. As part of Team YMCA, you will receive support from a dedicated point of contact. Whilst on Team YMCA, you will receive:

Meet our 2026 Marathon Runners!

Gillian Sewell, Dean Jackson MBE, Matt Sewell and Rachel Fulton are lacing up their trainers to take on the London Marathon 2026 in support of YMCA Derbyshire! Read about their experience on our blog.

Gillian Sewell

Gillian is a true community champion. With more than 30 years shaping life-changing opportunities at YMCA spanning youth services, supported housing, and education programmes, she’s a legend in local support circles. Most people might opt for retirement celebrations… but Gillian chose marathon training! A true reflection of Gillian’s ambition to continue creating opportunities for those that need it most.  

Dean is a well-known sports-industry trailblazer and founder of HUUB. With world records, industry-leading performance triathlon wear and a Queen’s Award for Innovation under his belt, Dean’s no stranger to pushing boundaries – but conquering one of the world’s most iconic marathon routes? That’s a whole new challenge! Dean is running because he’s seen firsthand the impact YMCA Derbyshire has on young lives, and he wants to help the charity go even further.  

Matt’s lifelong connection to YMCA began in 1998 when he was christened at YMCA Leicestershire and he’s been part of the movement ever since. Whether volunteering at Sleep Easy, supporting residents in YMCA housing, or delivering food parcels and Mental Health First Aid Kits during the pandemic, he consistently goes above and beyond for his community. Now a YMCA Youth Ambassador, Matt has represented the movement on national stages including the Conservative Party Conference and the Royal Albert Hall. From local volunteer to global advocate, Matt truly embodies the spirit and future of YMCA.

A dedicated personal trainer, she spends her days empowering others to believe in themselves, push beyond their limits, and discover what they’re truly capable of. But now, it’s her turn to step up to the challenge. Balancing life around two children, horses, and a thriving family pub and restaurant business—including their newest venture, The Pepperpot in Derby—training has to fit into the margins of an already full life. She’s always had a love for running, but taking on a marathon? That’s a whole new test of endurance, resilience, and determination—and one she’s ready to embrace.

How You Can Support

Now comes the fun part! You can sponsor our runners as they take on this huge challenge. Every donation makes a real impact towards changing lives in Derby and Derbyshire. Don’t just wish them luck.  Back them with action! 

Share their story, support their fundraising page, and cheer them on as they go the distance for YMCA Derbyshire. 

More Upcoming Events

Golf Day

Join us for a fantastic day of golf and food on 15th May at Chevin Golf Club in Duffield, while raising vital funds to support individuals and families across Derbyshire who are at risk of homelessness and facing poverty.

Read this Story →

Looking for other ways you can help support YMCA?