Croydon NHS worker to run alongside CEO in 2026 London Marathon in memory of his father
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust colleague Luke Nash will be taking on the 2026 TCS London Marathon to raise vital funds for Croydon Health Charity, in memory of his father, who passed away in August 2023 after receiving years of care at the Trust’s Lifeblood Suite.
Luke, who works as Deputy Head of Application Support within the Trust’s digital team, will be running his first-ever marathon alongside Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive and the borough’s Place Based Leader for Health.
The duo have already started discussing their training, swapping tips on how to balance the demands of marathon preparation with their NHS roles and busy family lives.
Speaking about his motivations for taking on the challenge, Luke said:
“When I saw the opportunity to run for Croydon Health Charity, I knew I couldn’t turn it down. During his cancer treatment, my dad received weekly blood transfusions for two years at Croydon University Hospital, giving us precious extra time with him. Running the marathon is my way of giving back to the Trust and to those who cared for him so well. I hope I can do him proud.”
Croydon Health Charity is the dedicated NHS charity for Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, helping local people of all ages, from all walks of life, to have the best possible experience of the NHS by supporting improvements that go above and beyond what statutory funding can provide.
Luke is no stranger to fundraising, having already raised thousands in the past through charity football matches, raffles, and auctions – with plans underway for even bigger events this year to support his marathon campaign.
Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, added:
“I’m incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon alongside Luke. His story and passion for giving back to our Trust are truly inspiring. We’ll be training together and encouraging each other every step of the way – and I know he’ll make his family, and all of us at Croydon, very proud.”
The 2026 TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April 2026. Donations to support Luke and Croydon Health Charity can be made on their JustGiving pages linked below:
