Oxford News
London Marathon 2026: Oxfordshire-based runners taking part
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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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 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.
The Oxford-based learning disabilities charity raised £1,200 on Sunday, June 14 to help support its work across Oxfordshire.
Yellow Submarine’s Got Talent saw 150 audience members treated to an evening of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments.
Members of the charity, who all have learning disabilities or autism, took to the stage at The Corn Exchange in Witney.
From singing and dancing to comedy and even a spelling bee, every act brought something unique.
A spokeswoman said: “For many of our members, stepping onto a stage in front of a packed audience was a huge achievement in itself.
“Watching people who have spent years building confidence through Yellow Submarine stand proudly in the spotlight was emotional for everyone in the room.”
One audience member named Meredith said: “It was very moving to see some members that I have known to be so shy and lacking in confidence get up on stage, perform and enjoy it. Really wonderful.”
The evening was full of standout moments, but a real highlight for many was Aaron, whose “breathtaking” performance of The Music of the Night, from The Phantom of the Opera, left the audience “completely spellbound”.
His powerful rendition earned a standing ovation and brought many people to tears.
Steve, caretaker at the Corn Exchange, said: “It was the first time in 30 years I had a tear in my eye during a performance for an event I was supervising.”
The charity said that the greatest success wasn’t the fundraising total, but the “pride on performers’ faces, the cheers from family and friends, and the reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to be seen, celebrated and applauded”.
It added: “A huge thank you to everyone who performed, volunteered, donated and joined us for what was a truly special evening.
“After such an incredible debut, we’re already hoping that Yellow Submarine’s Got Talent will become an annual event.”
Police were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst at 1.24pm to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the enclosure.
The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is critical but stable.
Specially trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.
Follow our live blog for more
Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed a 30-year-old man, from Norfolk, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating.
Det Insp Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.
“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.
“Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”
Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk
The pair have been at loggerheads for some time now but in January it came to a head when the 27-year-old made explosive allegations in a lengthy Instagram post.
He claimed that his mother “hijacked” his first dance with his wife, Nicola Peltz, and danced “inappropriately on me” in front of their guests, adding that he had never felt more “uncomfortable or humiliated” in his life.
READ MORE: Major update given after Jeremy Clarkson’s cancer diagnosis
The public feud between Brooklyn Beckham and his family began simmering in April 2022 and has been reported on in the press since.
However, it has been alleged by Pop B*tch that the pair’s falling out may have started when Brooklyn was linked to the singer Rita Ora.
Brooklyn Beckham and Rita Ora were linked in May 2017 after being spotted enjoying a dinner date at the Electric Diner in Notting Hill.
The online blog wrote it is an “unlikely rumour circulating in West London about the real reasons for the father-son fall out.
“That Brooklyn’s unhappiness with his Dad pre-dates his marriage to Nicola. It started back when he had a brief fling with Rita Ora.”
The cause was not disclosed, and there is no suggestion that Ms Ora started it.
Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham have lived in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds for around a decade, sharing a mansion in Great Tew near Chipping Norton.
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