Running with purpose: Joe and Georgie take on the Brighton Marathon

Every spring, Brighton’s seafront fills with colour as thousands of runners take on the Brighton Marathon. Georgie and Joe took on the challenge, each running for deeply personal reasons.

Georgie: running for humanity and hope

For Georgie, the Red Cross helped inspire her to become a nurse, and with global crises unfolding, she felt compelled to do something tangible.

“I’ve always wanted to support the Red Cross,” she explained. “With all the heartbreaking conflict happening currently, it felt like the perfect time to help a charity devoted to emergency response around the world.”

Brighton was an easy choice. Georgie loves the sea, the open-minded energy of the city, and the sense of freedom that comes with running along the coast. On the day of the marathon, she said the atmosphere was electric and full of kindness, colour and community.

Being part of Team Red Cross made the experience even more meaningful. Becky, her support contact, checked in regularly with training tips, fundraising encouragement and motivation on the day.

When Georgie reached mile 17 the Red Cross cheer point was there to cheer her on.

“That stand at mile 17 was such a great touch,” she said. “It spurred us all on right when we needed it.”

Would she recommend running for Team Red Cross? Absolutely.

“It feels awesome to be part of a challenge while surrounded by people trying to help other great causes too.”

Her top marathon tip?

“Always accept the fresh orange slices from spectators”.

Joe: running in memory

For Joe, the marathon was a tribute.

The British Red Cross had supported his nan in her final years, providing a wheelchair and compassionate care after a fall. When she passed away last year, Joe knew he wanted to honour her memory in a way that reflected the kindness she’d received.

“The British Red Cross went above and beyond for my nan,” he said. “Running for them felt like the right thing to do.” 

Brighton was a natural choice. Joe had lived there for a decade before moving back up north, and the marathon became both a memorial and a homecoming. A week back in the city he loved, capped off by an event he described simply as ’amazing.’

Like Georgie, Joe found the support from Team Red Cross invaluable. From an informative pre-race Zoom call to the cheer point on the course, he felt encouraged every step of the way.

“They made a big fuss of all the runners as we passed,” he said. “It really helped make the occasion special.”

His top fundraising advice? “Don’t stop asking for sponsorship once the race is over.” He says sharing photos and reflections afterwards helped him raise an extra 10–15% of his total.

Why their stories matter

Georgie and Joe didn’t just run 26.2 miles: they ran with purpose. Their stories show that fundraising isn’t about being the fastest or the fittest. It’s about heart. It’s about honouring loved ones, standing with people in crisis, and believing that compassion can travel further when we carry it together.

Their journeys also highlight what makes Team Red Cross special: the support, the community, the shared mission to help people in the UK and around the world when crisis strikes.

Feeling inspired?

If Georgie’s determination or Joe’s tribute has sparked something in you, maybe this is your moment. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who’s never pinned on a race bib before, joining Team Red Cross turns every mile into a message of hope.

You might find your own unexpected highlight along the way, whether it’s a cheer point at mile 17, a conversation with a stranger who becomes a teammate, or a well-earned drink on the beach.

Discover ways to support emergency response work or learn more about taking part in future events.