TWO determined fundraisers are preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime this weekend – all to help tackle homelessness and change lives.

Richie Whitaker and Ellis Robinson will both run the London Marathon on Sunday, raising money for Salisbury-based charity ALABARÉ.

Between them, the pair have already raised nearly £3,000 – and counting.

Richie, who works as a bakery manager at GAIL’s Bakery Salisbury, first connected with the charity during a fundraising sleep-out at Stonehenge.

“From the first moment I met the team and chatted about the charity, I knew it was such a brilliant cause, not just for getting people off the streets and giving them a place but actually putting in that foundation to stop it happening in the future,” he said.

Since then, he has thrown himself into fundraising, from raffles to rallying support from customers at the bakery, and even wearing his running vest at work to spark conversations.

Now, with race day approaching, excitement is building.

“I’m excited! I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve done it before about the actual event itself, and they’ve all told me about how brilliant the atmosphere is, so I’m in that kind of giddy mode at the moment with the training, tapering off now and eating more, so I’m just feeling that it’s really going to happen!”

You can support Richie here:
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/richard-whitaker

Meanwhile, Ellis brings a deeply personal perspective.

Ellis trains hard for the marathon. (Picture: ALABARÉ)

Having worked with veterans supported by the charity in South Wales, he has seen first-hand the impact of its work.

“The London Marathon is an amazing opportunity to raise much-needed funds to continue the support available within ALABARÉ,” he said.

“The reality is that homelessness can happen to anyone. It’s not just about losing a home; it often comes with deep personal struggles, such as mental health challenges, trauma, and isolation.”

Support Ellis here:
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ellis-robinson

ALABARÉ needs £1.7 million each year to continue supporting vulnerable people, from veterans to young parents, and every mile run this weekend will help bring that goal closer.