The OX4 Food Crew, working across East Oxford, has secured a three-year grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, for the second time.

The funding will support collaboration between organisations and residents to address the root causes of food insecurity in the OX4 area.

A spokesperson for the OX4 Food Crew said: “This funding recognises that tackling food insecurity isn’t just about food, it’s about power, voice, and infrastructure.

“By investing in grassroots organisations and lived-experience leadership, The National Lottery Community Fund is helping communities build the capacity to fix the issues affecting them, together.”

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OX4 Food Crew Spring alliance gathering (Image: OX4 Food crew Spring alliance gathering)

OX4 Food Crew is a collaboration of 8 small grassroots organisation in the east of Oxford, in areas like Cowley and Little Leys.

The grant will fund shared infrastructure, coordination, research, and leadership development for grassroots organisations.

These resources aim to create a more unified and strategic response to food insecurity and related issues such as health inequality, poverty, and insecure housing.

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OX4 Food Crew at Christmas (Image: OX4 Food Crew)

Instead of focusing solely on short-term crisis support, the project will build community capacity and empower individuals with lived experience of inequality to drive change through participatory research and community organising.

The project will be delivered in partnership with local voluntary sector organisations and the local authority to create a more coordinated response to food insecurity.

The National Lottery Community Fund awards money raised by National Lottery players to community projects, with an aim to donate £4 billion to these projects by 2030.

The 46th TCS London Marathon is in full swing after tens of thousands of runners set off on the 26.2-mile course around the capital.

Supporters have lined the route to cheer on the record-breaking 59,000 people taking part in this year’s race.

Among the famous faces, including Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, former England manager Tony Adams and former cricketer Sir Alastair Cook, are seven local faces.

In memory of firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, and civilian David Chester, who sadly lost their lives at the Bicester Motion fire in May 2025, three will run for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Chris Brummell and Martyn Sadler (Image: Chris Brummell)

Chris Brummell, Martyn’s brother-in-law, said: “Martyn was a firefighter – a role that defined his life through his dedication, courage, and selflessness.

“He was someone who always put others first, both in his work and his personal life, and his loss left a space in our family that can never be filled.”

Jamie Gough is based at Bicester Fire Station (Image: Supplied)

Jamie Gough, based at Bicester Fire Station, described Ms Logan as ‘fearless’ and ‘fiercely compassionate,’ while he remembered Mr Sadler as ‘calm, steady and the kind of person you’d hope to have by your side on the toughest day’.

Chris Dabell running a half-marathon in full firefighter kit as part of his training for London Marathon (Image: Chris Dabell)

Chris Dabell will run in full firefighter kit, including boots, breathing apparatus and a helmet. This will add approximately 20kg worth of weight.

The former chairman of Bicester Rugby Football Union Club knew both Mr Sadler and Ms Logan through the sport.

Through various fundraising events, the club raised more than £57,000 for the charity.

Between them, they have raised more than £30,000 for the charity through fundraising pages and community events.

Two runners from Oxford are taking part in the race in support of Helen & Douglas house.

They are part of the 30 runners supporting the Oxford-based charity, which aims to raise £100,000 from the event.

Chris Russell from Oxford will be running the marathon on April 26 (Image: Supplied)

Chris Russell, from Oxford, is taking part on his 40th birthday in support of the charity that has cared for his daughter Ella for the past two years.

Alexander Betts is attempting to break the world record of three hours 31 minuets by running in academic clothing (Image: Alexander Betts)

Alexander Betts, a University of Oxford professor, is attempting to break the world record for the fastest marathon dressed as an academic.

The current record stands at three hours and 31 minutes, which was set last year. So far, he has raised more than £2,000.

Chinor-based Mark is running for My Cancer My Choices in honour of his sister, Laura (Image: Chinor-based Mark)

Chinor-based Mark will run in support of My Cancer My Choices in honour of his sister, Laura, who is currently living wit stage 4 breast cancer.

He is one of five runners taking part in the marathon for the Berkshire-based charity.

Lesley Malloch, a PE teacher at Marlborough School in Woodstock, took on the challenge in the Sahara Desert.

She completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, a seven-day ultramarathon across the Sahara, raising £5,600 for Oxford Hospitals Charity and SeeSaw Grief Support.

Ms Malloch said: “This race was brilliant and brutal in equal measure – but I had the most incredible experience.

“I fundraised for Seesaw when I ran my very first marathon in 2017, and later helped to raise money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital during our ‘Big Gethin Run’.”

“Their impact is real, lasting, and close to home. Most importantly, fundraising £5,600 for two charities that mean so much made every step worthwhile.

“Knowing it will help young people and families through difficult times kept me going.”

Known as one of the toughest footraces on earth, the Marathon des Sables covers sand dunes and rocky terrain.

Runners must carry all their food, kit, and survival essentials on their backs.

Ms Malloch dedicated her challenge to Gethin and Zak, two former students at Marlborough School, and trained specifically for the punishing desert environment.

She said: “It’s not just about pounding the pavement; it’s about conditioning my body to run on sand, training with a weighted pack, and preparing for the brutal heat.

“I met incredible people along the way who helped me through the toughest moments, and I’m so grateful for the support that got me to the start line ready, and to everyone who cheered me on.”

Claire Hughes from Oxford Hospitals Charity congratulated Ms Malloch on her achievement.

She said: “Huge congratulations to Lesley – we’re in awe of her amazing achievement and incredibly grateful for the outstanding amount she has raised for both charities.”

Liv Webster, communications officer at SeeSaw Grief Support, also praised Ms Malloch for raising both funds and awareness.

She said: “Lesley has not only taken on an immense personal challenge by raising incredible funds and awareness, she has also made a real difference for bereaved children and young people across Oxfordshire.

“We are so grateful to Lesley for going above and beyond to ensure that families in our community receive the support they need, when they need it most.”

Ms Malloch described the experience as life-changing.

She added: “This is an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”