Charity selects runner for 2026 London Marathon

Luke Penney, left, was chosen as the designated runner for Guernsey Mind. Darren Broad and Jon Allaway, right, had spaces at the London Marathon and chose to run for Guernsey Mind

A Guernsey mental health charity that was given a London Marathon place for the first time has chosen a runner to represent them.

Guernsey Mind said all Luke Penney's name was pulled from a hat - the runner has several marathons and challenges under his belt and all the funds he raises from next year's event will go directly to the charity.

The charity said it had 26 people apply to be its designated runner.

Mr Penney said: "I'm running for Guernsey Mind because I want to promote how running and staying active can support mental wellbeing, offering a healthy way to face life's challenges."

The draw was made by Guernsey runner Lee Merrien, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.

Jo Cottell, chief executive of Guernsey Mind, said: "We were genuinely surprised and delighted by the response.

"One applicant even pointed out that we had 26 people applying to run just over 26 miles in 2026."

'Vital role'

Guernsey Mind said since the recruitment campaign, two other runners - Darren Broad and Jon Allaway - with their own balloted places in the 2026 Marathon had offered to run for the charity.

Mr Broad said the charity was close to his heart and provided "vital support for our local community".

He added: "I have struggled with my mental health in the past and have been lucky enough to have received guidance and strategies to help support me.

"Mental health can affect us all at some point in our lives and it is important we all recognise there is help and support out there."

Mr Allaway said: "Training for and running a marathon is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one.

"I'm proud to be running the marathon for Guernsey Mind and raise awareness and funds for an organisation that plays a vital role in strengthening our community's mental health and this is the motivation I will use to carry me forwards."