This Sunday, two of our colleagues are taking on the 2026 London Marathon, and both are running with a purpose beyond the finish line. Also running for dementia research, Professor Paresh Malhotra ran the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon on 12 April, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Rory Türkmen Smith, Brain Bank Engagement Manager at the MS & Parkinson’s Tissue Bank, is running 🧠 dressed as a brain 🧠 to raise funds for the MS Society Tissue Bank.
“The inspiration for this challenge is to raise funds for the MS Society Tissue Bank – a cause I work for and feel incredibly passionate about. Brain donation enables a pivotal step in the scientific process by allowing us to examine what is actually happening in the brain tissue of people living with and without neurological conditions,” said Rory.
Every donation helps fund vital research into multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
You can celebrate Rory’s remarkable effort and idea, and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/brain-runs-london
You can also learn more about Rory’s role and the brain bank here: Rory’s Staff profile.
🎗️ Rita Carvalho, Research Manager at the Department of Surgery and Cancer, is raising money for Breast Cancer Now. Contributing means supporting vital research and care that can change lives and save futures.
“Training hasn’t exactly been smooth (understatement!), but I’m in one piece (just about) and more than ready to give it a proper go. Running for charity will give me that extra boost, and I know the legendary London crowds will carry me to the finish line”, explained Rita.
Support Rita’s run for Breast Cancer Now: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ritarunninglondon
🧠 Professor Paresh Malhotra is also taking on a marathon challenge — running the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon on 12 April to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a cause central to his clinical and research work in dementia. You can donate to his fundraiser here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-qnr6m50nx1dno
Please do share and donate if you can – it all adds up!