Meet our 2022 London Marathon runners

This year, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has an extraordinary team of 14 Wildlife Warriors running the gruelling, yet exhilarating, 26.2 miles in London on Sunday 2^nd October. With 11 charity gold bond places available this year, we were thrilled to fill all of our spaces and have the addition of three ballot runners wanting to show their support for endangered wildlife.

As the race draws closer, we can’t wait to cheer on our amazing runners and celebrate their incredible efforts to raise vital funds for conservation.

Ava & Trevor

Father and daughter duo, Ava and Trevor, are both loyal DSWF supporters.

Together, they have completed the Paris and Edinburgh marathons already this year and are getting ready to make London their third and final marathon of 2022!

Emma & Tom

As long-standing friends and supporters of DSWF, Emma and Tom recently visited our ground-based conservation partners, Painted Dog Conservation, in Zimbabwe.

“I was first introduced to DSWF in 2019 and have been amazed by their ethics and dedication in protecting endangered species. So when I saw the opportunity to run the London Marathon for them I jumped at the chance! This year I was lucky enough to visit Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe and see how the funds we raise contribute to their vital work to stop species extinction. I can’t wait to run the marathon knowing that I have helped support such an important cause”. – Emma

For Tom, this is his fourth London Marathon (and third for DSWF)! He is also planning an extraordinary trek to the North Pole in 2023, so please keep an eye out for future updates about this.

“It is always a privilege to run the marathon but in particular for DSWF. The whole team, through our efforts, are actively supporting conservation efforts being undertaken by the Foundation; your support allows you, too, to be actively fighting for the survival of some of the world’s most threatened and iconic species. So, wish us luck and support if you can!” – Tom

Julia, Morgan & Kai

Mother and son, Julia and Morgan, ran the London marathon last year for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and are returning again this year with Julia’s other son, Kai (who recently celebrated his 18th birthday meaning he can officially take part)! Running under the name ‘Team Pangolin’, they have made a very generous donation to DSWF on top of their fundraising efforts – a huge thank you to this tremendous trio!

Sarah

Keen to beat her personal best of just over 4 hours, we’re delighted to have Sarah returning for 2022!

Sarah is a very keen runner having also previously run the Berlin marathon and the Wimbledon half marathon, as well as many other running events for charities.

Laura & Jemima

Laura and Jemima are good friends who have always wanted to take part in the marathon and are passionate about wildlife and conservation.

“I chose to run for DSWF because I have grown up learning about and seeing the incredible work they do in saving wildlife and the impact the fundraising truly has. I couldn’t be prouder to raise money and run for them.” – Laura

“I am very fortunate that my amazing godmother works for the Foundation, so it has been a part of my life for a number of years, attending events such as Wildlife Artist of the Year has allowed me to understand the amazing work you do and my want to help raise money.” – Jemima (featured on the right)

Simone

Simone is a passionate DSWF supporter who is part of a local running club ‘Back On Track’ who run close to our office in Shalford. We’ve been blown away by her fundraising abilities, as she has been busy hosting local events to raise crucial funds.

“As a running coach I normally inspire people to take up running with a Couch to 5k (C25k). Now it’s my time to push to my own limits. I am currently up to 26k and have hit a mental wall. My purpose to help protecting wildlife with DSWF is what’s inspiring me to push through.” – Simone

Tom

Tom has joined our team of wildlife warriors as a ballot runner, generously choosing to support us and raise funds for wildlife. He has currently smashed his personal fundraising target, raising more than £700 for conservation, and we applaud his tireless dedication.

Katie

Our last ballot runner Katie has joined the team choosing to fundraise for DSWF after visiting our ground-based conservation partners Game Rangers International in Zambia seeing first hand the incredible work the team does to protect elephants and prepare them for reintegration to the wild. All of Katie’s fundraising will go towards DSWF’s conservation work protecting elephants.

Susannah (Small)

Susannah aka Small is an artist/sculptor and close family friend to the Shepherd family. Small has worked closely supporting DSWF for many years including in our annual ‘DSWF Wildlife Artist Of The Year‘ competition.

“This is my first London Marathon, in fact my first marathon of any kind! DSWF is an amazing charity doing incredible things to protect our planet and the creatures we share it with and has always been a charity I try to support when I can. I cant wait to be there in my trainers and running vest, and I am very much looking forward to crossing the finish line in one piece!

The journey to get here has been slightly interrupted by minor injuries but it is a real honour to be running for DSWF and the generous donations people are making really helps motivate me with my training.” – Small

We’re honoured to have these committed and passionate Wildlife Warriors raising vital awareness and funds for endangered species. The team’s boundless energy and tireless support of DSWF is evident in their incredible fundraising abilities as they help us to turn the tide on extinction. A HUGE thank you from the whole team at DSWF.

Please show your support by sponsoring our team today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DSWFLondonMarathon2022