2025 TCS London Marathon: Meet the people running for a future free from arthritis!

On 27 April, 116 runners will take to the streets of London to take part in the 2025 TCS London Marathon in aid of Versus Arthritis.

Currently over 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis, with many more being diagnosed every day. That’s why we fund world-class research, deliver high quality services and campaign on issues that matter most to people with arthritis so they can live the lives they choose, with real hope of a cure in future.

From funding groundbreaking clinical trials into rheumatoid arthritis in Newcastle to campaigning on the door-step of No.10 Downing Street, we couldn’t do this without our amazing supporters and fundraisers.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference to those most deeply affected by arthritis and together, with events like the TCS London Marathon we can make the difference needed to build a future free from arthritis.

Meet just a few of our incredible runners who will be taking on the 26.2 miles this April.

Hulya Erzurmlu

Some people run a marathon as a personal challenge, a bucket list activity. But for Hulya, it means more than that!

Having been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 24, Hulya reflects on how her diagnosis “took her by surprise and completely turned her life upside down.”

“It becomes tiresome to live a life in a constant state of anguish, I felt like I couldn’t go on with my life. I withdrew from life and fell into a state of depression, I didn’t know how I was going to make it out of this state of feeling or pain.”

But then Hulya found Versus Arthritis and specifically our community forums. Our forums were somewhere Hulya felt she could go to “cry, laugh and sometimes be angry! It’s a place we all feel the same, leaning on experiences of others.”

By fundraising for the marathon Hulya hopes to “give back to a charity that pulled me out of the darkness.”

If you need support with your condition, our helpline is here. Our helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9-5. You can call on 0800 5200 520 or contact us by email.

Henry Clifford

The London Marathon holds a strong sense of nostalgia for Henry which is why he wanted to take on this challenge for Team Verus Arthritis: “My earliest experience of the London Marathon is watching my dad run 30 years ago.”

Inspired by his dad’s love of running Henry took it up in lockdown to stay active and has carried on over since.

He explains that “unfortunately, my dad is one of the 10 million people in the UK affected by arthritis and, due to the impact this has had on his life, his running days are sadly behind him.” 

But Henry has been training hard, with long runs becoming the norm for his Friday evening.

Taking on a challenge in support of a loved one is so special and Henry has found it “Incredibly rewarding to raise money for a cause that means so much to me and my family.”

Do you want to take on a challenge in support of a loved one and raise money towards a future free from arthritis? If so, check out our events here.

Lynn Gray

Life has many big milestones and for Lynn, one of these is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of her hip replacement this year.

Lynn was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis aged 27 and less than a year later she found herself in hospital getting hip replacement surgery at just 28 years old.

Having taken up running in 2023, Lynn started with a 10km, then completed the Great North Run in September 2024. Lynn set her sights on taking on the marathon and can’t wait to experience London Marathon.

Lynn explains that running is now something she loves saying  “I do feel so lucky that I am able to get out and go running. Before having my hip replaced I never believed I would be able to run for 10 minutes, let alone 26.2 miles.”

Fundraising and raising awareness of arthritis is important to Lynn. “I want to help those living with arthritis and associated chronic pain improve their quality of life.” Lynn explains that she loves how you can ‘set your own goals and work to achieve them."

If you feel inspired to celebrate a milestone, whether that’s a birthday, special occasion or something else, why not download our new fundraising guide to find out how Versus Arthritis can support you.

David Neal

Another runner lacing up their shoes ready for the London Marathon start line is David, who is running in support of his wife, Fran.

David and his wife, Fran, were enjoying being new parents when Fran was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis aged 27.

David explains “Fran’s arthritis now affects most of her major joints, causing her daily struggles with pain, fatigue, and brain fog.”

Living with arthritis can be challenging and carrying out everyday tasks can be difficult. “Luckily, I am always there assisting her with medication and daily activities, but it can be so difficult for her. I see first hand how challenging even the simplest tasks like taking a shower and getting dressed can be for her.”

David says that “Versus Arthritis has been a vital resource for us. My wife has benefited immensely from their information and support, helping her manage the condition better.”

Nobody should face arthritis alone. Throughout the United Kingdom, Versus Arthritis provides local services, support groups, free booklets and a helpline for anyone who needs it.  

To find out more about getting support with your arthritis, click here.

Peter Riley

Peter didn’t just want to do one marathon in support of Versus Arthritis, he wanted to do the challenge three times! Although never having ever run a marathon before, he’s set himself the task of running the Brighton, London and Chicago marathons all in support of Versus Arthritis.

Peter’s running in support of his mum who lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis and his dad who lives with Osteoarthritis.

Peter reflects on how his mum’s condition has “robbed her of her mobility,” whilst he said his “dad’s mobility has also been severely impaired over the last year,” ending in the first of two hip replacement surgeries due to his condition.

Our goal is a future free from arthritis and to get there, we need inspirational fundraisers taking on challenges like the London Marathon to fund our life-changing research. As Peter says: “when you’re running for a cause so close to your heart, every run feels as though it’s driving you to that goal.”

Good luck!

Good luck to all our incredible 2025 TCS London Marathon runners! Collectively so far, they have fundraised over £185,000 towards that future free from arthritis, an incredible achievement for all of them.