Lizzy Takes on the London Marathon for the David Brown Foundation

In April 2026, the incredible Lizzy Cormack took on the London Marathon in support of the David Brown Foundation, completing one of the world’s most iconic running events while raising more than £3,000 including Gift Aid for our work.

We could not be prouder of Lizzy, or more grateful for the commitment, determination and heart she put into supporting the Foundation and David’s legacy.

For Lizzy, choosing to run for the David Brown Foundation was deeply personal.

She knew David throughout her secondary school years and beyond, spending many years around the Brown family and experiencing first-hand the kindness, generosity and support that so many people remember him for.

Ahead of the marathon, Lizzy shared why she had chosen to run for us:

“Dave was a loving father, husband and friend, and an inspirational teacher. Throughout his career, he was deeply committed to providing the highest quality education and support to both his students and his colleagues.”

David’s commitment to helping others extended far beyond his career in education. Despite facing four years of dialysis, a kidney transplant and later Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, he continued to think about how his own experiences could be used to support other people.

He began a PhD exploring the impact of life-changing illness, planned a cancer retreat for people rebuilding their lives following treatment and supported fellow sufferers through his involvement with a lymphoma research committee.

After David contracted Covid-19 in 2021, he sadly passed away following a two-month battle.

His wife, Gill, and daughter, Liss, were determined that his compassion, values and commitment to helping others would continue. The David Brown Foundation was subsequently established in his memory, with a mission to help young people thrive in education across the North of England.

For Lizzy, running the London Marathon became an opportunity to play her own part in continuing that legacy.

“I was honoured to know Dave throughout my secondary school years and beyond. I always felt at home at the Brown household, and over the years Dave consistently offered thoughtful and generous advice, for which I am incredibly grateful, and for his Sunday morning hangover breakfasts too!”

Those words capture so much of the David remembered by the people who knew him: a teacher and mentor, but also someone who made people feel welcome, supported and cared for.

26.2 Miles for Brighter Futures

Taking on a marathon is no small challenge.

Months of training, early mornings, long runs and countless miles culminated in 26.2 miles through the streets of London, and Lizzy did amazingly.

Even more importantly, her efforts raised over £3,000 with Gift Aid, helping the David Brown Foundation continue supporting opportunities for children and young people.

Every pound raised helps us continue David’s belief in the transformative power of education and ensures that his commitment to helping young people continues to make a difference.

Lizzy said before taking on the challenge:

“Running the marathon is a huge challenge, but it feels incredibly meaningful to do so in support of Dave’s legacy and the work of the Foundation.”

And meaningful it certainly was.

Thank You, Lizzy

From everyone at the David Brown Foundation, we want to say an enormous thank you and congratulations to Lizzy.

We are incredibly proud to have had her representing the Foundation at the 2026 London Marathon and so thankful to every person who donated, shared her fundraising page, sent messages of encouragement or supported her along the way.

Lizzy didn’t just run 26.2 miles. She helped carry David’s legacy through London and turned an extraordinary personal achievement into something that will help create opportunities for young people.

We are so proud of you, Lizzy. Thank you for running for David, for the Foundation and for brighter futures.