Two runners have raised thousands of pounds for The Purple Elephant Project after taking on the London Marathon in support of the local children’s mental health charity.

Matthew Fullalove, a student at Newcastle University, completed all 26.2 miles dressed in a full purple elephant mascot costume, crossing the finish line in an impressive 4 hours and 21 minutes despite limited visibility and the physical challenge of running in the heavy outfit. Alongside him was Millie Newman, who completed the marathon in 5 hours and 15 minutes after deciding to take part just one week before race day and completing no formal training.

Together, the pair raised over £4,000 for The Purple Elephant Project, an amazing achievement!

Matthew’s connection to the charity is a personal one. His mother, Anne, is a play therapist of more than 30 years who trained alongside the charity’s founder and has supported its work for many years. Speaking after the race, Matthew said: “I definitely hit a wall around 15 miles and the last few were really tough in the costume, but hearing people shouting my name the whole way round kept me going.” He became emotional after spotting supporters from The Purple Elephant Project cheering near mile 25. “When I saw everyone there, it really hit me. That support carried me to the finish.”

Millie, who had deferred her marathon place the previous year due to injury, balanced the challenge alongside university finals and part-time work for the charity. “I knew I couldn’t waste my ballot place. I hadn’t trained at all, but I just decided to go for it,” she said.

Nina Bradburn, Fundraising Manager at The Purple Elephant Project, praised both runners for their efforts. “What Matthew and Millie achieved was incredible. Not only have they raised vital funds for children’s mental health support, but they have also helped raise awareness of the growing need for early intervention services for children and young people.”