
London Marathon 2025: Support Amy!
5th February 2025
Much of Earthwatch Europe’s work wouldn’t have the impact it does without public support, including the wonderful fundraisers who have run (or walked) the London Marathon for us. Hear from our runner, Amy, why she decided to take on this epic challenge.
Why did you decide to run the London Marathon? And have you taken on similar fundraising challenges before?
After watching my sister complete the London Marathon 2024, I was inspired to give it a go myself. I am also turning 30 this year, so it seemed a good way to mark that milestone. Having lived in the capital most of my life and being familiar with the marathon route were also factors that made me want to run this one specifically. And witnessing the atmosphere of the London Marathon – I think the crowds will be a big help through the miles!
I have never run a marathon before, but I have taken part in triathlons for a few years, so I knew I liked the idea of training for an event and then putting that hard work into practice. I have also walked an ultra-marathon with my sister, all the way around the Isle of Wight, to raise money for charity. It was 104km and 32 hours of non-stop walking!
What made you choose Earthwatch Europe as your charity to support?
I am passionate about making nature accessible to all and protecting the planet. Growing up in London, I always relished opportunities to get out to the countryside or go on holiday to Devon or Northumberland to experience wild nature.
Not everyone has these opportunities, so it is imperative that we make nature accessible for people living in cities and urban areas with initiatives such as Earthwatch Europe’s Tiny Forest movement.
I also love exploring the great outdoors and wild swimming. Campaigns like Earthwatch’s Great UK WaterBlitz encourage more individuals and communities to take part in outdoor activities like these; connecting with nature, collecting valuable data, and fighting for safe waterways.
I truly believe in science-backed research which links nature connection to mental health and well-being, including stress management and resilience. The work that Earthwatch Europe does in creating green spaces collaboratively – for example, together with urban school communities as part of Green Earth Schools – really resonated with me.
Last but not least, I also love their approach of citizen science and environmental education, ensuring that future generations have the right tools to protect the planet.


Community volunteers planting a Tiny Forest in North London (above), Great UK WaterBlitz participant holding up test results (below)
I am passionate about making nature accessible to all and protecting the planet. Not everyone has these opportunities, so it is imperative that we make nature accessible for people living in cities and urban areas with initiatives such as Earthwatch Europe’s Tiny Forest movement.
How is the marathon training going? What do you like best / least about it?
I started my training in November, and (minus a hiatus over Christmas!) it has been going well so far. I am almost halfway and starting to have long runs which are over half-marathon distance now. In addition, I am also doing some strength and mobility training each week to try and avoid injuries. Recently, I purchased a running vest to store water, gels and snacks as the long runs have meant that I really have to start planning my energy levels!
I am loving being outdoors more, with training being a great reason to prioritise being active. I also love seeing other runners out and about, wondering to myself what they might be training for, and giving them a big smile in the hope I may have made their run a bit more enjoyable – especially on those rainy days! What I like least so far are the sore feet, but ‘1000-mile’ running socks, blister plasters and comfy slippers are helping with recovery!
How can people support you with your fundraising challenge?
I encourage support through donations on my Enthuse fundraising page. This is how the funds will make a difference:
- £15 could buy vegetable plants for an urban school as part of Green Earth Schools.
- £25 could buy freshwater quality testing kits for our FreshWaterWatch volunteers.
- £50 could support our community monitoring events at our Tiny Forests.
Inspired to take part?
Applications for the London Marathon 2025 are now closed. Contact our Fundraising Team today to register your interest for the London Marathon 2026 and join our team next year.
What we offer our fundraisers
- Personal support via email from our Fundraising Team
- Training tips from a qualified running coach
- Virtual meetings and exchange with other runners
- Free runners vest sent ahead of the event
- Cheerful support from Earthwatch staff members on the event day
Discover more ways you can support our environmental work.