Our Ashford team rallied behind colleague Catherine McKean as she completed the 2026 London Marathon in support of the Royal British Legion.
Assistant Surveyor, Catherine, who works in our infrastructure team, originally planned to run alongside fellow colleague, Maddie Scott, but an injury meant Maddie was unable to take part on the day. Catherine stood in for Maddie, knowing how much it meant to her to raise money in honour of her grandad, and took on the challenge solo, with Maddie providing vital support and cheering from the sidelines.
The fundraising was inspired by Maddie’s grandad, Bob, and her family’s long-standing connection to the Royal British Legion.
Maddie shared: “My grandad served in the Royal Engineers during World War II. He fought at the Normandy landings and was among the first British soldiers to enter Birkenau after the war, helping to restore the camp and lay those still dying to rest. He later went on to serve in the Korean War.”
“Despite all he witnessed, he remained the kindest, most gentle man,” Maddie added. “We lost him to cancer in 2003, but his legacy has never left us. He and my Nana, who lived to 101, were dedicated supporters of the Royal British Legion, and now it feels important to carry that torch.”
Catherine said: “Running the marathon was our way of giving back, honouring Maddie’s Grandad’s memory, supporting today’s veterans and their families, and raising funds for a charity that continues to stand by so many.”
In late January, Catherine suffered ligament damage and an avulsion fracture to her right ankle, which limited her training. Even so, she made it to the start line and completed the marathon, no personal best this time, but a huge achievement and a day she won’t forget.
She added: “I couldn’t have done it without Maddie. She got me to the start line, battled through the crowds and managed to spot me four times along the course, exactly the kind of cheer squad you need at mile 20!”
If you’d like to support the Royal British Legion and Maddie’s fundraising in honour of her grandad, you can donate here.