Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has secured places in the 2027 TCS London Marathon for the first time in its history, selecting five runners to take on the iconic 26.2-mile challenge and raise £15,000 to support rescued animals on the Isle of Wight.
The five runners have been selected from a number of applicants to represent the Sanctuary in the world-famous event, which takes place across the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2027.
The inaugural Team Wildheart comprises Simon Mead, Lawrence Bates, Isabelle Wetton, Sammy Steven and Marc Fox.
A milestone for the Sanctuary
Securing places in the London Marathon marks an exciting milestone for the Sanctuary, giving the team an opportunity to raise vital funds and awareness for its work rescuing, rehabilitating and providing lifelong homes for animals in need.
The team has set a collective fundraising target of £15,000, which will help support the specialist care, nutrition, veterinary treatment and enriching environments the Sanctuary provides for its rescued residents.
As an independent charity, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary must raise nearly £2 million every year to continue its work and meet the needs of the animals in its care. Every pound raised by the marathon team will help ensure these animals receive the lifelong care and attention they deserve.
Guided by a marathon veteran
The five runners will be supported and managed by Paul Thorley, who has completed the London Marathon on multiple occasions and is well known for supporting various Island charities through his own fundraising efforts.
His experience of the event and fundraising knowledge will be invaluable as the team prepares for the challenge.
Meet Team Wildheart
The five runners share a passion for the Sanctuary’s mission and are looking forward to taking on the challenge, with plans to engage the local community through fundraising activities in the months leading up to race day.
Simon Mead, 48, from Newport, has lived on the Isle of Wight all his life and has fond memories of visiting the Sanctuary as a child and later bringing his own children. With a strong personal connection to the charity, he is keen to give something back and plans to support the fundraising effort through community events, raffles and other creative initiatives.
Isabelle Wetton, 27, formerly from Essex and now living in Sandown, is a keen runner who has completed a range of races, including half marathons and a coastal marathon. Having already supported the Sanctuary by taking part in its Run Wild 5K fun run, she is excited to combine her love of running with her passion for animal welfare.
Sammy Steven, 25, from Ryde, moved to the Isle of Wight three years ago and was inspired by the Sanctuary’s commitment to giving rescued animals the lives they deserve. With previous experience raising money for charitable causes, she plans to organise a programme of fundraising activities, including bake sales, raffles and quiz nights, while sharing her marathon journey with the local community.
Marc Fox, 45, from Newchurch, heads up the Sanctuary’s animal department and is responsible for bringing rescued animals to Wildheart, as well as managing all aspects of their care. Having previously completed several 10K events and regularly playing football, Marc saw the London Marathon as the perfect incentive to regain some of the fitness he has lost over the past 15 to 20 years. He hopes the challenge will raise vital funds to help Wildheart rescue more animals and further enhance the lives of those already in the Sanctuary’s care. Marc is also determined to inspire his three children and show them that, with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything.
Lawrence Bates, CEO of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, from Wootton Bridge, is no stranger to taking on extreme physical challenges. His previous adventures include completing the Three Peaks Challenge, the Welsh 3000s and the Isle of Wight Ultra, a gruelling 106km endurance challenge around the Island. He will now take on the iconic London Marathon alongside his fellow Team Wildheart runners, helping to raise vital funds for the rescued animals in the Sanctuary’s care.
Together, the five runners will form Team Wildheart, working towards their shared £15,000 fundraising goal.
Support Team Wildheart
Supporters can follow the team’s progress and make a donation through its dedicated fundraising page.
Every donation, big or small, will help Wildheart Animal Sanctuary continue its mission to give rescued animals a better future.
News shared by Lee on behalf of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Ed
