Going the extra Mile for Charity in 2026 Marathon Challenge

Five members of the Smith Partnership team are set to take on marathons and half-marathon challenges throughout the year, collectively raising vital funds for charities close to their hearts.

Two of our runners include Amelia Sutcliffe, Solicitor in our Clinical Negligence department, and Connor Ball-Wood, Associate in our Company and Commercial team, who are both taking part in the prestigious TCS London Marathon on the 26th April 2026.

Between them, they have already raised an impressive £3,380, with Amelia raising £1,471 so far for Headway Derby, and Connor reaching £1,909 in support of Crohn's & Colitis UK.

Their efforts reflect both deeply personal motivations, and the firms' wider culture of supporting meaningful causes.

Amelia's London Marathon journey began unexpectedly, having only taken up running in recent years. Now, she is preparing to tackle her first marathon while raising vital funds for Headway Derby, a local charity supporting people living with the long-term effects of brain injury.

"I never expected to be someone who would run a marathon (or even a 5km!), but after supporting a friend through their London Marathon journey, I was completely inspired," Amelia said. "As a volunteer for Headway Derby and a medical negligence solicitor, I've seen first-hand the life-changing impact brain injuries can have and the vital support Headway provides to individuals and families. Running the London Marathon is an opportunity to challenge myself whilst raising funds for a charity that makes a genuine difference in our community”.

Amelia has already completed over 550km in training, alongside organising fundraising initiatives with Connor and raising awareness of Headway Derby's essential work. Her dedication reflects both personal determination and professional compassion, driven by her firsthand experience supporting individuals affected by serious injury.

Amelia outside her chosen charity, Headway Derby

Connor will also be taking on his first marathon in April, fulfilling a long-held personal ambition while supporting Crohn's & Colitis UK, a charity close to his heart.

He talks about his motivation for taking on this challenge, "Running a marathon has always been on my bucket list. So, when the opportunity arose, it was too good to turn down. Both my partner and I suffer from Crohn's, so Crohn's & Colitis UK is a charity that's incredibly close to my heart. I want to help open up conversations, break down taboos, raise awareness and support the charity that helped me so much when I was first diagnosed. I'm also proud to be doing this for my young daughter and hope to cross the finish line with her".

Despite balancing the demands of marathon training alongside a full-time career and family life, Connor has already made exceptional progress toward his fundraising target!

The firm's charitable efforts extend beyond the London Marathon, with other colleagues also taking on endurance challenges throughout the year.

Connor

Matthew Taylor, Accounts Clerk, will be running the Robin Hood Half Marathon in September 2026, raising funds for Blood Cancer UK in memory of his mother, following her battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He says:

"After completing the London Marathon in 2021, I caught the running bug. This race is particularly important to me, both as a personal challenge and an opportunity to raise money for Blood Cancer UK, a charity that means a great deal to my family”.

In addition, Bally Atwal, Partner in our Dispute Resolution team is running the Manchester Marathon in April 2026 for Alzheimer's Society in memory of his mum, while Nina Skilton, Associate in our Childcare department, will take part in the Boston Lincolnshire Marathon on 12 April 2026.

Smith Partnership has a long-standing commitment to both charitable work and sporting activities, for many years we have participated in the Derby County Community Trust's Derby 10km, with 9 people signed up this year.

The firm actively encourages its people to support causes they are passionate about, recognising the positive impact these efforts have on communities and individuals alike.

James Johnson, our Managing Partner, said, "We are incredibly proud of Amelia, Connor, Matt, Bally and Nina for taking on these extraordinary challenges in support of causes that mean so much to them. Their dedication reflects the values we hold as a firm - supporting our communities, championing important causes, and making a meaningful difference”.

He added: "Balancing demanding careers with marathon training and fundraising requires exceptional commitment. Their efforts are truly inspiring, and we are proud to support them every step of the way."

With months of training still ahead, the team continues to make strong progress toward their fundraising targets. If you would like to make a donation, their fundraising links are below:

Amelia: Amelia Sutcliffe is fundraising for Headway Derby

Connor: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/connor-ball-wood

Matthew: Matt Taylor is fundraising for Blood Cancer UK

Bally: Baljinder Atwal is fundraising for Alzheimer's Society

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