London Marathon for Diabetes UK & Melissa Bell Foundation

Some challenges change your life forever. This is one of them.

This year, the team of Alexandra Burke , David Burke , Darren Randolph and Jodi Barthel are taking on the 2025 London Marathon for a cause that means so much. We are running in honour of David and Alex’s mum, Melissa Bell, a woman whose passion, strength, and generosity continues to inspire us every day.

Eight years ago, we lost Melissa, but her legacy lives on. She was a dedicated Diabetes UK ambassador, advocating for education, research, and support for those affected by diabetes. In her memory, we founded The Melissa Bell Foundation , which helps young people pursue their dreams through a summer scholarship at the Sylvia Young Theatre School , a cause she deeply believed in.

1 in 5 Adults in the UK have either prediabetes or diabetes. The critical work done by Diabetes UK help provides advice, support and awareness in such invaluable ways.

Now, we are continuing her work in a way she would be proud of by running the London Marathon to raise funds for both Diabetes UK and The Melissa Bell Foundation .

But we can’t do it alone.

Marathon training is no joke. Sweat, and tears (literally) are going into every step we take. And while we push through the miles, we need your support to get us to the starting line. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us make a real impact by supporting diabetes research and creating opportunities for young people through the arts.

Here’s how you can help:

✅ Donate: Every contribution brings us closer to our goal.

✅ Share: Spread the word by sharing this page with your friends and family.

✅ Browse: The Diabetes UK and Melissa Bell Foundation websites and social media channels for more information on great causes they both provide.

✅ Cheer us on: Follow our journey, leave a comment, and send us words of encouragement. We will need them!

We will be documenting every step of this journey, from training runs to race day, so you can see first-hand what it takes to complete a marathon for a cause that means the world.

See you at the start line!!!