Meet London Marathon 2026 fundraiser, Rebecca
Rebecca is pictured with her Dad, David - along with Cashe and Daisy!
Rebecca Howard, the second confirmed London Marathon 2026 runner for Rosie’s Trust, has shared her motivation for supporting the charity – and how much completing the challenge will mean to her and her Dad, following his dementia diagnosis.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Rebecca, 33 years old, and a huge dog lover - dogs are better than humans, as some may say! I have my own miniature Dachshund called Cashe, who is 5 and lives with myself and my partner Alex in London. It’s absolutely Cashe’s world, and we just live in it! We love spending time together as the Three Musketeers going on long walks, cuddling up to an action film, and trying new food together.
I’m outgoing, love my music of all genres, and I’m definitely the first one to the dance floor, or on karaoke, at a party! I have a little sister called Rachel who has a whippet called Peggy and has run half marathons herself – and friends and family really do mean the world to me.
Have you ever taken on a challenge like the London Marathon before?
I haven’t…this will absolutely be this biggest personal achievement in my life to date, and I’m even more excited to be running for Rosie’s Trust!
What inspired you to sign up for the London Marathon this year?
My Dad, David, who is one of my biggest inspirations in life, this year was diagnosed with dementia. My Dad has run many marathons and half marathons in his life, including the London Marathon a fair few times - and he used to always make a joke when I was younger that I could never do it….he just knew if he put me up to a challenge, I would always succeed at it one day.
With this year maybe being one of the last he would be able to recognise this achievement, I want to run for him to show him the grit and determination that he taught me, but also for everyone else who may be going through a similar scenario with their family.
We have had two family Shih Tzus, the first called Charley…she was with us until 2020, and now lives over the rainbow – and Daisy who lives with my Mum and Dad today in Leicester, my home town. Daisy gets my Dad outdoors and gives him many laughs and smiles as they love to play tug of war together, and also does a great job keeping my Mum company.
Why did you choose to run for Rosie’s Trust?
Rosie’s Trust feels very fitting for what myself and my family are adapting to with my Dad’s dementia diagnosis, and also my love for dogs. To think there are families like ours who may not be able to stay with their beloved pets at times they need them the most breaks my heart. Rosie’s Trust prevents just that from happening, and when I came across the charity it felt like it was meant to be. I can run for my Dad to make him the proudest he can be of me, but also for families and other individuals to keep their companion pets by their side when they need them the most.
What do you hope your fundraising will achieve for Rosie’s Trust?
I hope my fundraising provides support and brings joy in the lives of those Rosie’s Trust supports, and also raises awareness of the amazing work everyone at the charity does… encouraging others to organise their own fundraising events, and encourage donations.
How is your training going so far?
It’s going great. I’m working on my strength and stability at the moment to ensure when I start doing my long distance training, I’m strong right to the finish line. My partner has also become a keen runner during my training, so running together is a great way to stay motivated.
What are you most looking forward to on London Marathon day?
I’m looking forward to the great atmosphere, music, and making the most of the power of the human body. But most of all I am looking forward to FaceTiming my Dad, who will watch me on TV, and I’ll be able to say, “I told you I could do it, this is for you Dad”. I get really emotional thinking about what the feeling will be like.
Do you have any fun or creative fundraising ideas planned?
I recently had a small handmade dog collar business, but with my full-time job as a Retail Manager for a tech company taking off, I took the decision to put my time and focus into that. However I have lots of stock left over….I plan to do a sale on my website donating 100% of all proceeds to Rosie’s Trust. I also have a huge work network where I will be sharing my journey, as well as my social media channels.
I’m part of a Dachshund WhatsApp chat that currently has 530 Dachshund owners from across London, so I would love to plan a big Dachshund walk to share the work of Rosie’s Trust whilst fundraising.
How can people support you on your marathon journey?
Follow and connect with Rosie’s Trust, and spread the amazing work they do. As well as a ‘good luck’, I’d like any great song recommendation that will keep my feet stomping throughout training and on the day!
If you’d like to follow Rebecca’s fundraising journey, visit her Enthuse page here – and if you are inspired to organise your own fundraising challenge, get in touch with Rosie’s Trust today.