Tom running the London Marathon for CAFOD
We’re so proud of our 37 incredible runners, including long-time corporate supporters from CPL Aromas—who took on the London Marathon and raised vital funds for CAFOD. Thank you to everyone who sponsored, cheered and prayed for our team!
Among our runners were CAFOD staff members Tom and Bella, joined by supporters from across the UK, running with passion, purpose, and deep commitment to CAFOD’s mission.
Grace, a teacher from Chertsey, reflected:
“I cannot put into words how incredible Sunday was. I didn’t think it was possible to feel every emotion in the space of five hours! Thank you Neil, Jess, and everyone at CAFOD. It has been such a privilege to run for such an incredible charity.”
Rosie shared her journey:
“From doubting I could even finish to completing the marathon, I’ve learned so much—not just mental toughness, but that if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.
I’m so happy I spread awareness for CAFOD. I’ve supported the charity for years and was surprised how many people hadn’t heard of it. I’ll now be doing a presentation at my school about where the sponsorship goes and how much it means to so many people.”
Tom, CAFOD staff member, shared a message of gratitude and impact:
“I’ve seen first-hand the life-saving work your support makes possible—emergency food, safe water, income-generating projects for women, peacebuilding, and more.
A woman in South Sudan told me, ‘When you support someone, it’s like being their family. Tell them they have family in South Sudan.’”
Andrew, another runner and teacher, ran in honour of his connection with Ethiopia:
“I spent a summer volunteering with the Daughters of Charity in Mek’ele, Tigray. The sisters do amazing work—supporting street children, running eye clinics, women’s projects, business loans.
They were deeply affected by the recent conflict, and I’m so glad I could share the good news of CAFOD’s London Marathon with them. I had ‘For the children of Ethiopia’ on my vest and kept them in mind through every mile.”
Felicia gave heartfelt thanks:
“To God, I give glory and praise. Just a week before, I thought I wouldn’t make it due to back and knee pain. Thanks to our Lord, I completed it. And thank you to Neil and Jess—God bless you!”
Running the extra mile
Staff from CPL Aromas also laced up their trainers to take on the London Marathon in support of CAFOD. For the past 15 years, CEO Chris Pickthall and a team of CPL staff have run the marathon for CAFOD, totalling over 500 miles!
This year marked their biggest team yet, with Chris joined by Ricardo, Chloe, Frank, and Kellie—all running with heart and purpose. Together they raised an incredible £45,000 for CAFOD’s work around the world.
“I’m inspired to run for CAFOD because it is just a fantastic charity,” said Chris. “They support the poorest of the poor around the world. That’s the ethos of our company and our family.”
Chris Pickthall, CPL Aromas
Well done Chris, Ricardo, Chloe, Frank and Kellie, and thank you to all of CPL Aromas for your faithful support.
Will you go the extra mile in 2026?
If you’ve ever dreamed of running the London Marathon or simply want to do something extraordinary, why not run with purpose and join Team CAFOD in 2026?
You’ll be part of a passionate community united by faith, hope, and the desire to bring lasting change to the world’s most vulnerable communities. Every step you take will help deliver clean water, education, emergency aid, and dignity to families in need.
Take the first step, join us.
Let us know if you're interested and we’ll be in touch: majorgifts@cafod.org.uk.