Richard Winterton to run 2026 London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK and We Love Lichfield

26.2-mile course on April 26

LICHFIELD auctioneer Richard Winterton will be putting his best foot forward in the new year – by running the 2026 London Marathon for charity.

Richard is taking on the legendary 26.2-mile course on April 26 to raise money for two organisations especially close to his heart, Parkinson’s UK and We Love Lichfield.

“After recently turning 60, I wanted to do something special,” said the father-of-four.

“So I’ll be running the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds equally for Parkinson’s UK and We Love Lichfield.

“My own father Tony is currently living with Parkinson’s and my father-in-law, Roy, sadly passed away three years ago after living with the condition for 10 years.

“We Love Lichfield is also close to my heart because of the wonderful support it gives to so many charities, groups and projects in Lichfield, Burntwood and the surrounding area.”

Parkinson’s affects thousands of people and their families across the UK.

Parkinson’s UK provides vital support, funds research, and works towards better treatments – and ultimately a cure.

We Love Lichfield is one of The Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire’s place-based funds and, since starting more than a decade ago, has given away £462,000 in 500 awards to 237 recipients across Lichfield District.

Donations are invested through an endowment fund, with the returns awarded to support local community and voluntary groups now and long into the future.

“Training for a marathon is a big challenge but knowing I’m running for two such important causes will keep me motivated every step of the way,” added Richard.

“Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference and is hugely appreciated.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their encouragement, support and generosity – it truly means more to me than I can say.”

Richard can be sponsored via two links: www.justgiving.com/page/richard-winterton-1 for Parkinson’s UK and www.justgiving.com/page/richard-winterton-2 for We Love Lichfield.

A familiar face on television, Richard regularly serves as auctioneer on programmes including Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Dickinson’s Real Deal and he’s even appeared – as himself – on Coronation Street.

Aside from his day job as managing director of Richard Winterton Auctioneers, he gives dozens of charity talks and auctions every year, always free of charge.

Richard recently hosted the inaugural St Giles Hospice Winter Gala and also conducted the auction at the first ever fundraising dinner for Cohort 4, a Queen’s Award-winning survivor women’s peer support and peer mentoring group.

Each year the TCS London Marathon attracts more than 50,000 participants ranging from the world’s most decorated elite athletes to thousands of amateur runners, creating a unique global spectacle where ‘weekend warriors’ share the start line with Olympic legends.