Buxton, Mind and the London Marathon 2024

Buxton has been a longstanding partner and official bottled water provider for the London Marathon for 11 years this year. On Sunday 21^st April, Buxton will be providing much needed hydration for over 50 000 runners taking on this year's challenge.

In addition to this, Buxton is continuing their partnership with mental health charity, Mind, on their collective mission to promote better physical and mental wellbeing across the nation. This is encouraged through exercise and hydration, and what better example of applied, sustained effort and training than running a marathon?

We caught up with six of our very own 'Team Buxton' runners to find out about their motivations for taking on this enormous challenge!

Jade running the Manchester Half Marathon last year.

Jade Roe - Nestlé Waters

"I decided to take part in the London Marathon as I used running as a way to aid my mental health when I went through a really tough time a few years ago. It allowed me a few hours of peace and quiet in my head and I got to enjoy the views of the countryside when I was out and about. As my mental health started to get better, I ended up falling in love with running and pushed myself to achieve various different levels. For me, running for Mind is an excellent opportunity to raise money and awareness for an important cause."

Daniel Houston – Nestlé Confectionery

"I was inspired to run the London Marathon by my dad. He ran the second ever London Marathon back in 1982 and has never run another once since; I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing!

Mental health problems affect everyone, whether directly or indirectly and disproportionately affect minority groups such as the LGBT+ community. I know the money raised and the work Mind does will make a real difference. It has been great being part of 'Team Buxton' with supportive coaches and the team cheering each other on every day for the past four months. This will really help me get to the finish line (along with plenty of Buxton Water of course)!"

Daniel in training.

Michael running the London Marathon last year.

Michael Byram – Nestlé Supply Chain

"I've always been into fitness; my dad ran the London Marathon over 40 years ago and still talks about the experience to this day. I was very fortunate to get in through the main ballot last year, after applying unsuccessfully for five years prior to that.  Whilst it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, I loved the whole experience, and the crowds were amazing. Both me and my partner applied through the Nestlé Buxton ballot this year in the hope that we'd both get in and be able to run it together.  Luckily we were both selected, but since then she has fallen pregnant. I'm now running it alone, hoping to make them both proud and raise some money for a good cause along the way."

Mike Smith – Nestlé Waters

"Having great mental health is something many of us take for granted on a day to day basis. But this is not always the case and mental health can affect people in many different ways. When it strikes it can really impact individuals and their loved ones. The work Mind does is fantastic and helps those in need when they need it most. I am immensely proud to be running my first marathon and raising money for Mind, as well as supporting Buxton and championing the great work they are doing around healthy hydration, sustainability and mental health. I have done all my training with Mia, the marathon dog! She is the best training partner and I just wish she could run with me on the day."

Mike in training with Mia the dog.

Declan in training.

Declan Forde – Wyeth Nutritionals Ireland

"My main sport was rugby but once I retired from playing, the lack of sporting structure caught up with me and my fitness vanished. In 2012 I decided to make a change for the better to get fit again. Short term pain has given me such long-term gain in both body and mind. Running is my time to think and reflect and has helped me get through difficult times in my life, giving me structure and focus on a day-to-day basis. This will be my 18^th marathon. They are tough, no doubt about it, but they are the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. The sense of achievement is immense."

Emily Allen – Nestlé Waters

"Running the London Marathon is a bucket list dream. I was always so inspired by the 'everyday' people running it as well as the elites and I was desperate to be a part of it. I started applying for the ballot about 10 years ago but was always unsuccessful. After starting couch to 5k in August 2023 and running my first ever 5k in October, I got the fantastic news that I'd FINALLY gotten a place!

The fact I also had the opportunity to support Mind meant the world to me. As someone who has struggled with my mental health in the past, particularly when it comes to anxiety and burnout at work, it is very fitting that this opportunity presented itself at this time in my life. In July 2023 I took a massive leap and started a new career at Nestlé and my mental health has improved tenfold thanks to their genuine care for people's well-being and the wonderful supportive people in my team.

It really feels like the stars have truly aligned. Bring on my first Marathon!"

Emily in training.

We are wishing all of this year's runners the best of luck!

There's still time to show Team Buxton your support, if you would like to donate please check out the links here.

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