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Harrogate youngsters complete mini marathon and raise £2,000 for blood cancer

Friday, 1 May 2026 08:19

Emily and Thomas, Year 5 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School.

Two Harrogate pupils have raised more than £2,000 for charity after completing the TCS Mini Marathon last weekend.

Emily and Thomas, Year 5 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, took part in the London event on Saturday, just one day before their fathers ran the London Marathon.

The youngsters tackled a one-mile route through central London, running through St James’ Park with a start at Horse Guards Parade and finishing along The Mall.

Crossing the line in an impressive 9 minutes and 54 seconds, the runners have been able to raise over £2,000 for Blood Cancer UK.

A spokesperson for Belmont Grosvenor School said:

“With around 530 children in their wave (and nearly 40 waves in total), it was a busy and exciting event and both runners did brilliantly.

“We're super proud of you both!”

The weekend of endurance did not stop there.

Emily and Thomas’ fathers, Mr Badger and Mr Wilcock, went on to complete the London Marathon the following day - an achievement made even more remarkable by the challenge they had already undertaken.

The duo had just finished an extraordinary “Peaks and Pedals to the Palace” feat, climbing the UK’s three highest mountains, cycling from Snowdon to London, and then running the marathon - all within five days.

For James Badger, the challenge carries deep personal meaning.

Following the loss of his wife Philippa four years ago, his fundraising efforts through Team Badger have now raised an incredible £530,000 for Blood Cancer UK, helping to fund a research project in her name.

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