In April 2026, a dedicated team of alumni will take on the iconic London Marathon in support of the University’s Healthy Minds Programme.
Healthy Minds empowers students to take meaningful steps towards improving their mental and physical wellbeing through a wide range of inclusive, community-focused physical activities. To date, the programme has supported more than 700 students in boosting their confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
Each of our runners has committed to raising at least £2,500 to help Healthy Minds continue its life-changing work — and you can show your support through their JustGiving pages below.
Meet this year’s incredible team:
Steve Colebourne (BSc 2010, PGCE 2011)
‘Running the London Marathon before my 40th birthday has been a goal for many years, but for me, this challenge is also deeply personal.
My undergraduate journey at Bristol was not plain sailing. I struggled with undiagnosed fatigue and lack of motivation, which eventually led to a necessary suspension of studies. It was through exercise, specifically swimming, that I found my own path to recovery and wellbeing, and that I was able to return to graduate in 2010. Now, as a teacher and a father of two active children, I am passionate about modelling positive behaviours around physical activity and mental health. This commitment is why I am determined to raise money for the University’s Healthy Minds programme.
I know first-hand how much pressure university life can bring, and I am hyper-aware that a support system like Healthy Minds could have given me the tools I needed to manage my own struggles without the need for drastic action. I’ve run numerous 10ks and half marathons, but I am excited to tackle my first marathon whilst helping students find the support they need to navigate their university experience. I would take great pride in knowing that my efforts might just change someone’s life for the better.’
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Emma Chorley (BA 1990, PhD 1995, PGCE 1996)
‘As someone who has struggled with depression at various times in my life, I have always been amazed at the transformational impact that exercise can have in lifting one’s spirits. Nowadays, there are so many pressures on students and so many things that can cause anxiety. The issues that loom in the background — whether world conflict, the threat of war, climate change, or the implications of AI — all contribute to an underlying sense of anxiety. This anxiety is then compounded by more everyday worries such as student debt, keeping up appearances on social media, and just trying to measure up to academic demands.
These things all seem so much bigger than the things I had to worry about as a student 30 years ago. If I can raise some money to help this fabulous cause and give something back to a university that supported me for ten years, then I can’t think of a better motivation to start training!’
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Adan Siage (MEng 2023)
‘I wanted to run in support of Healthy Minds because mental health support for students is something I care deeply about. I lost a close friend during my time at Bristol, and I know how important it is to make sure no one feels alone in their struggles. Running this marathon is my way of honouring them and helping others get the support they need.’
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Lydia Jones (BA 2015)
It is an honour to be running the London Marathon this year for such a great cause. Running has been part of my life since my student days in Bristol. It started as a way to manage my own mental health, giving me a space to clear my head and find calm during stressful times. Over the years, running has become a constant source of balance and wellbeing for me. I’m running the London Marathon to support Healthy Minds and help other students discover the same strength and resilience through exercise that has had such a positive impact on my life.
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Stephen Scobie (BA 1986)
‘I’m a proud Bristol graduate with more than 40 years of connection to the University of Bristol. I’m a passionate endurance runner and have taken on a variety of races before so am thrilled to join the Bristol team for the iconic London Marathon!’
You can find out more about the Healthy Minds programme here.