An IT consultant from Waringstown conquered the 46th TCS 2026 London Marathon in memory of her father-in-law, while raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Forty-year-old Kerry Jackson joined a team of over 650 BHF runners who took to the streets of London on Sunday, April 26, all with the same mission: to fund the charity’s lifesaving research. The iconic event set a new world record for the number of finishers.
Kerry, who was cheered on by husband Joe, ran in memory of Joe’s dad, Richard, who died from a cardiac arrest aged 70, following treatment for esophageal cancer.
The London Marathon’s 46th edition raised more than £1.4 million for the BHF, which will enable the charity to continue funding groundbreaking research into new treatments and cures for cardiovascular disease.
Kerry completed the gruelling 26.2-mile course in 4:45, and raised an incredible £3,606.
Kerry said: “Taking part in the 2026 TCS London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) was such a huge challenge and an incredible experience. The atmosphere around the course was electric, and it was amazing having so many people cheering me on. It made me even more determined to cross the finish line.
“The research funded by the BHF makes such a difference to over 8 million people and their families living with cardiovascular disease in the UK. I’m proud that I’m doing as much as I can to support their amazing work to help keep families across the UK together for longer.”
Jas Kaur, Events Manager at the BHF, added: “It’s fantastic to see Kerry’s courage and determination in helping us fund lifesaving research. Without the dedication of our team of BHF runners and the commitment of people like Kerry, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has already revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.
“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fail to amaze me, and it was incredible to see Kerry and hundreds of others take on such a grueling challenge to help save and improve lives.”
To take on your own challenge for the BHF, visit www.bhf.org.uk/events
