After more than 30 years of short distance running, Jakie Jewell, Chief Executive of Children’s Sailing Trust (CST), will take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon in aid of the charity she leads and loves.
A lifelong amateur runner, Jakie has completed 5Ks, cross-country races and the London Vitality 10K but the London Marathon has always been the one challenge she’s never quite managed to tick off.
“I’ve entered the charity ballot for years, always hoping for a place. Then, after a pretty challenging personal year, an email landed in my inbox in December 2024 – I had a place. And not just any place, a place to run for Children’s Sailing Trust, the charity I’m proud to lead,” said Jakie.
For Jakie, this marathon represents more than just endurance; it is a milestone that brings together her personal and professional passions.
“Running has always been part of my life – it keeps me grounded and gives me space to think. Taking on the London Marathon feels like the right challenge at the right time, an opportunity to focus on wellbeing, purpose and perseverance while raising vital funds for the Trust.
Running for CST adds another layer of meaning,” Jakie adds. “Every step supports young people who, through sailing, discover what they’re capable of. Crossing that finish line will be a celebration of their courage as much as mine.”
Children’s Sailing Trust is a Cornwall-based charity that helps young people from all backgrounds discover confidence, freedom and joy through sailing. In recent years they’ve opened a fully accessible site at Trevassack Lake that enables people of all ages and abilities to access the water, with award-winning accessible accommodation alongside. The funds raised through Jakie’s marathon challenge will go directly towards the core charitable sailing programme, providing more children with the chance to experience the water safely and independently, building skills that last a lifetime.
“Running has taught me resilience. Every mile is a reminder of what I’ve achieved and what others can achieve when given the chance. That’s what Children’s Sailing Trust gives to young people, the confidence to believe in themselves.”
Jakie Jewell is aiming to raise £10,000 for Children’s Sailing Trust through her ‘Running for Purpose – Every Mile for Every Child’ campaign. Supporters can follow her training journey and donate via https://childrenssailingtrust.org.uk/CST-London-Marathon
