Marathon efforts for donkeys

This year, the runners are not just confined to the shores of the UK, with one making the journey from ‘across the pond’ and travelling more than 4,500 miles from her home in the United States.

Maria’s story

Animal lover Maria Vaughn will travel from her home town of Rayne in Louisiana to be part of our amazing fundraisers taking part in the iconic event.

Maria is passionate about donkeys, mules and horses, and rescued her first donkey, Molly, in 2012. She soon realised that donkeys need a companion of their own kind, so another donkey which she named Murphy, joined her equine family.

While caring for her own donkeys, Maria decided to attended a donkey symposium at UC Davis in Sacramento to learn as much as she could. The event brought together veterinarians and experts from around the world to talk about donkeys and their care, and how they are used throughout the world.

Maria explained: “A lot of people don’t realise that donkeys are necessary for sustainability in many countries across the world, and after hearing more about the work of The Donkey Sanctuary I wanted to support them by running the London Marathon.”

While visiting the UK for the marathon in April, Maria also plans to make a trip to our Sidmouth sanctuary, where she will be able to see first-hand some of the donkeys her efforts are helping to support.

Maria added: “I have been hard at work fundraising and sharing the mission of The Donkey Sanctuary, as well as my knowledge of donkeys, and how precious and important they are.”

Luke’s story

Closer to home, Luke Roche from Stonehouse in Gloucestershire will be pulling on his running shoes for a cause close to his heart and be taking part in memory of his late grandad.

His grandad, Roger, sadly passed a few years ago, but his love of donkeys and his support of The Donkey Sanctuary inspired the Business Development Manager to take on the ultimate running challenge.

By his own admission, Luke’s running history is limited, and before starting his marathon training had never ran more than a few Parkruns. But as part of his preparations for London, he completed a half marathon last October, meaning his training is well on track for April.

On visiting the sanctuary in Devon last year, Luke said: “Seeing the incredible care and dedication the teams provide every day made a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to contribute to such a meaningful cause in my grandad’s memory.

“My grandad loved donkeys and The Donkey Sanctuary, he even adopted Zena and chose the sanctuary as his funeral charity - a reflection of how much he believed in the work of the charity. He always said, ‘Donkeys deserve to be loved,’ a sentiment that has stayed with our family.”

James’s story

James Woolley from Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire will be among our team this year lining up on the start line on 27 April.

Seasoned runner James has completed a handful of half marathons, 5ks, and his first triathlon last summer. He’s also planning to keep in good shape following the London and will be attempting his first half Ironman later this year.

Donkeys were never far away from his childhood, as he remembers a pair of them living in a field next to their family home in Cambridgeshire. The donkeys had been rescued by the farmer’s daughter and lived very happy lives in their countryside setting.

He added: “I think like any keen runner, London is the marathon that everyone dreams of doing. I used to live there, and to be able to run the course and absorb the energy from the crowd and the city will be an incredibly moving experience; I’m very excited about it.”

Jess’s story

Our team of runners this year also includes one of our very own colleagues. By her own admission, Donkey Welfare Adviser Jess Bush is not a seasoned runner and has never run a marathon before, but after finding out last year she had a place in the London Marathon, Jess joined a local running club which was a great help in getting her started and helped her form a training schedule.

Equines have been part of Jess’s life for as long as she can remember. After having previously worked as an inspector for the RSPCA, she joined The Donkey Sanctuary in 2023 where she covers her home county of Essex, as well as Suffolk, London and Hertfordshire.

Her role as a DWA sees her supporting guardian owners on our Rehoming Scheme, and well as dealing with welfare concerns and taking appropriate action as required.

Jess said: “I wanted to run the marathon for The Donkey Sanctuary, as I want to raise as much money as I can to help towards the care of the donkeys we support, both in our sanctuary and the community. Also running for the charity I work for feels amazing and close to my heart.”

Rose Huxham, Community Fundraising Officer at The Donkey Sanctuary, added: “I am always in awe of our amazing fundraisers who take part in the London Marathon for donkeys, and this year is no exception.

“For Maria to travel all the way from the United States to take part is incredible, and to also have one of our very own colleagues taking part makes it even more special.”