Slimming World staff member fulfils marathon dream for charity
A member of staff at Slimming World’s Head Office, based in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has completed the 2026 TCS London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Emily Burnett ran as part of the 14-strong team, made up of Slimming World members, Consultants and Head Office staff. The runners raised an incredible £40,000 for Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s Research UK, Slimming World’s official charity partners.
By running the marathon, Emily aimed to raise awareness of how healthy eating and moving more can protect our physical and brain health. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s ‘Think Brain Health’ campaign, being active and eating a healthy, balanced diet are two ways people can help protect brain health and reduce their risk of developing dementia in later life.
Digital Support Team Specialist Emily, 31, from Mansfield, says: “Running the TCS London Marathon for Slimming World meant so much to me. It was a huge personal challenge, but one I’m incredibly proud to have completed. Being able to represent such an amazing and supportive company while raising money for a charity which carries out life-saving research was an incredible feeling.”
This is the first time Emily had ever tackled a marathon distance. She says: “I’m so grateful that my first ever marathon experience was the iconic TCS London Marathon. I went into this event not really knowing what to expect but I crossed the finish line extremely proud of everything I’d achieved with my training, fundraising and performance on the big day.
“Being on such a motivated team of Slimming World members and Consultants who, between them, have lost a combined total of more than 72st (457kg) was truly special. Hearing first-hand about their weight loss journeys, from little or no exercise to marathon training, was deeply inspiring. Moments like these remind me why I’m so proud to work for an organisation that helps transform lives.”
The London Marathon has been a big dream of mine for a long term and I’m so pleased I got to live my dream and raise money and awareness for an important charity.
Peter Halewood, Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK said “Congratulations to each and every Slimming World runner who has taken on the London Marathon 2026. The commitment it takes to train for such an iconic event, while raising vitals funds, is nothing short of extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Slimming World, and continually inspired by the passion and dedication shown by its head office team, members and Consultants. Your support means so much as we continue our work to find a cure for dementia. Thank you for standing with Alzheimer’s Research UK.”