Ed and Will Greig will be running this year’s London Marathon, after being inspired to support a disability charity by their grandfather, the late Edward Guinness CVO.
Ed, 40, and Will 37, will be joining the tens of thousands of runners who will be taking part in the 26.2 mile race on Sunday 27th April and hope to raise £5,000 for QEF in the process.
The charity supports disabled people of all ages and those with acquired neurological disabilities to achieve their potential and be as independent as possible. The charity’s services currently support almost 10,000 disabled children and adults annually, including its Care and Rehabilitation Centre in the heart of Surrey which is a modern and comfortable centre of neuro rehabilitation expertise. Edward Guinness CVO led the fundraising appeal for the new centre and was instrumental in ensuring that enough money was raised so it could open. He and his late wife, Elizabeth have a wing named after them in recognition for his work for the charity.
Ed said: “Our late grandfather, Edward Guinness, supported the charity for more than 40 years, and he would often tell us stories of the charity’s work, and those who it supported, which both Will and I found very inspiring. More recently, our friend Alicia was supported by the charity’s expertise after she contracted Long Covid and we heard about the incredible support that they provided her as part of her own recovery.”
“I have done quite a few marathons before and training during the winter has been really tough especially with the weather, but it has been great for my mental health and If I haven’t been out I can get “rungry” and then as soon as I go it puts things in perspective. I am really looking forward to the day itself. I last did it in 2005 so it will be great to be back there 20 years later, it’s an atmosphere like no other. But most of all I am looking forward to crossing the finish line with Will, together knowing we have done something incredible which will have such a positive impact on QEF’s work and those it supports,”
Will said “This is my first marathon and training has been great for my mental health to get outside all the time and help me destress from life. I am really looking forward to hearing the crowds and being in the midst of that wonderful marathon atmosphere. But especially crossing the finish line with Ed, knowing that we have also been supporting QEF.”
Shannon Holmes, Events and Community Executive at QEF added: “We have a long standing history of support from Edward and his family so it is wonderful to see Will and Ed continue this legacy with taking part in the London Marathon. The money they raise will enable QEF to support more disabled children and adults and we wish them all the best of luck for the big day. We will be there to cheer them across the finish line in April.”
To sponsor Will and Ed please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/greigsmarathon25
Edward Guinness CVO at QEF’s Care and Rehabilitation Centre
