A showjumper, a vet and a photographer who completed an ultra-marathon at the weekend are among the horse lovers supporting equine charities at this Sunday’s London Marathon.
Photographer and film producer Adam Blackmore-Heal, from Chertsey, finished the 50km Windsor Ultra-Marathon on Saturday (18 May) and is now gearing up for 26.2 mile challenge in the capital, raising funds for Brooke for his efforts.
The former soldier in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has already raised more than £3,000.
He said he was inspired to the support the charity by his time working with horses and a trip to Ethiopia that revealed the harsh realities faced by these animals.
“My trip to Ethiopia was profoundly harrowing,” he said. “What struck me most, though, was their [working animals’] vital role in everyday life.
“It’s easy to read articles or watch programmes about working equines in faraway lands and not fully grasp the reality.
“Seeing this ripple effect of knowledge and compassion was truly inspiring. It showed how Brooke creates lasting change, not just quick fixes, and why supporting their work through my marathons feels so meaningful.”
Adam is also launching a photography exhibition highlighting working animals.
“It felt like the perfect way to blend my creative passion with raising awareness and funds for Brooke’s important mission.
“It has been hugely rewarding to turn my lens towards these remarkable animals and highlight the difference Brooke makes.”
Also running the London Marathon for Brooke is Ben Portus, an equine veterinary surgeon from North Hertfordshire, who has supported the charity since 2006.
Over the years, Ben has organised a range of fundraising activities – including client evenings, raffles and quiz nights, all supported by the local equine community.
“My work as an equine vet means their welfare is very close to my heart,” he said.
Ben previously visited Brooke’s programme work in India, where he saw the charity’s impact first-hand.
“I’m very lucky because our horse-owning clients are incredibly supportive of my fundraising and every year their generosity astonishes me.
“I love the atmosphere at the start [of London Marathon]: it’s so inspiring seeing the amazing causes so many people are running for. The crowd support is always incredible at London.
“For anyone who has ever watched the London Marathon and thought, maybe I should give it a go… go for it! Brooke is a wonderful cause to run for.”
From the showjumping arena to the streets of London
International showjumper Chloe Lemieux is also set to tackle the London Marathon and will be raising funds for World Horse Welfare.
The 19-year-old is daughter of Rob and Lisa Lemieux, founders of leading equestrian brand LeMieux, and never considered herself a runner before.
“I’ve always been much more comfortable in the saddle than in running shoes,” she said. “This whole marathon experience is definitely out of my comfort zone but I’m looking forward to the challenge. Especially for a cause that means so much to me.
“World Horse Welfare is a charity very close to my heart. Their work supporting horses in need – whether through rescue, rehabilitation or education – is so important. As someone who knows how much horses give to us, it feels only right to give something back.”
With her previous running experience extending to attending a few parkruns with friends, Chloe has found the training regime for the marathon a challenge to fit in, but her dedication is paying off.
“I’ve really been noticing the progress week by week – I’ve been loving the process,” she added.
“I’m very excited for race day itself – and hoping to raise lots of funds to support World Horse Welfare’s incredible work!”
As a lifelong horse lover and with a rehomed World Horse Welfare pony – a Shetland named Lemon – in the family, Chloe is one of four runners representing the charity at this year’s London Marathon.
Tom Brown, 29, a self-employed electrician from Norfolk whose fiancée is a senior groom at World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, will also be running for the charity on Sunday.
The World Horse Welfare team is joined by Tilly Gill, 29, is a certified tax advisor who lives near Bedford. Tilly is a lifelong horse lover and has been fitting training in around her job and caring for her own horse.
Freya Donovan completes the charity’s four runners. She decided to run the marathon for World Horse Welfare to set herself a personal challenge and in memory of one of her own horses.
“We’re so grateful to Chloe and our other runners for tackling this incredible challenge,” said Kelly Clark, World Horse Welfare’s Senior Supporter Services Officer.
“Without the drive, dedication and compassion of wonderful fundraisers like them, we wouldn’t be able to continue helping horses in need in the UK and around the world, as our charity has been doing for nearly 100 years.”
The Donkey Sanctuary also has a group of four fundraisers taking part.
For those unable to watch the marathon in person, coverage kicks off on the BBC at 8.30am on Sunday (26 April).
Lead image of Adam Blackmore-Heal by Ultra Challenge®/My Sport Photos
