From Personal Challenge to Community Impact
26th May 2026
From marathon start lines to community support across the county, individuals connected through ECF are demonstrating how personal commitment can translate into lasting local impact through taking part in the London Marathon.
Many community initiatives begin with a single decision to get involved. For individuals and businesses across Essex, ECF provides a structured way to turn that decision into meaningful change. As an independent charitable funder, ECF connects people and organisations with the causes they care about, managing charitable funds and distributing grants that strengthen communities across the county.
The stories highlighted here show how personal challenges can lead to wider community impact.
Character: Saying Yes
When Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF, approached Aron Priest, Founder of the Priest Foundation, about running the London Marathon in support of the Priest Foundation, Aron had never run a mile in his life.
After a couple of days to think about it, he called back.
“Right, let’s do it.”
For Aron, saying yes was not about personal ambition. It was about responsibility.
“I didn’t want to let my foundation down. Or the people who sponsored me. Once you say yes, you must take it seriously.”
The Priest Foundation, a charitable fund he established with ECF, works to improve the lives of people facing mental health challenges by making counselling more accessible.
Training began in October. Three runs a week over several months eventually totalled more than 400 miles.
“The training is brutal. It’s repetitive. But if you don’t put the work in, you won’t get through it.”
Courage: A Shift in Perspective
Aron’s journey to the starting line began years earlier.
In 2014 Aron experienced a serious accident. At the time he owned a large company employing hundreds of staff and thrived on the demands of running a business.
After the accident, anxiety and PTSD changed that entirely.
“All your life, you think you’re invincible, but when something happens, you realise you’re not. You’re vulnerable.”
This experience led Aron to establish the Priest Foundation with ECF to help others facing similar challenges. Today every £300 raised enables someone to access therapy.
“That makes me incredibly proud.”
Enthusiasm: When Spirit Multiplies
Marathon day revealed another dimension of spirit.
“They say the crowd carries you and that’s true. The human spirit on that day is phenomenal.”
For the marathon alone, Aron raised around £8,000 for the Priest Foundation.
That experience has led to another challenge. This May, Aron and a team of nine will take on the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours.
“It’s going to be tough. But once I commit to something, I’m all in.”
The Priest Foundation fund has now grown to a fund value of more than £80,000, with Aron aiming to grow it to £100,000 in the next couple of years.
The Ripple Effect: Claire and Tom
Aron’s story shows how motivation can lead to support. Claire Rayner and her son Tom Rayner show what support can enable.
Following the sudden loss of Tom’s father in 2024, Claire wanted to build on Tom’s interest in running because of the physical and mental health benefits it brings. However, Tom’s disability affects his mobility, and specialist equipment allows them to run together in a way that suits Tom’s needs.
Funding from ECF provided a running buggy, allowing Tom to run as much as his body allows, with breaks in the buggy when he needs them.
“Since receiving the buggy, running has become a part of our lives,” Claire says.
“It’s made a real difference to me too. As a solo parent, training during school holidays and weekends wouldn’t have been possible without the buggy.”
Tom became an enthusiastic training partner throughout Claire’s London Marathon journey.
“He’s a great cheerleader. He tells me I’m doing a great job, asks how my legs are feeling and tells me to keep going when I’m struggling.”
Claire has now completed the London Marathon, raising funds for Endeavour Co-operative Academy in Brentwood. For Claire, the marathon marked another milestone in the journey she and Tom have taken together since receiving the buggy.
“This was very much our journey. I’ll always be grateful to ECF for making this possible.”
A Culture of Commitment
The momentum continues. Dan Haylett, Director at TFP Financial Planning, will take on the London Marathon in 2027 to raise funds for the TFP Community Fund, managed by ECF, that supports local causes in Maldon and the surrounding area.
“Running the London Marathon has been on my list for years, and when the opportunity came up to do it for a cause this close to home, it felt like the right moment to stop talking about it and actually lace up… I’ll be running 26.2 miles with a lot of heart, probably some blisters, and the knowledge that it genuinely matters.”
Dan’s commitment reflects something broader. Across Essex, individuals connected to ECF are stepping forward in different ways to support their communities. 
Within ECF itself, commitment is also personal. Niamh Murphy, Fund Development Admin Officer at ECF, recently completed the London Marathon independently in support of the charity 3Food4U.
“Working at ECF has shaped how I see my role within the community. Seeing the impact of local giving up close shows how powerful it can be when support is rooted in genuine connection.”
Reflecting on her experience, Niamh says:
“Running the London Marathon on behalf of 3Food4U was an unforgettable experience, and the support from everyone at ECF meant so much. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the ECF team, where we share a real passion for making a difference. Congratulations to all the runners, we were part of something truly special this year.”
Her marathon experience reflects the wider culture surrounding ECF, one where personal commitment and community impact go hand in hand.
Investing in Essex
For business leaders across the county, these stories highlight what is possible when personal commitment meets the right support.
Across Essex, individuals and businesses are choosing to invest in their communities. With the right support in place, that commitment can translate into lasting impact.
Establishing a fund with ECF enables individuals and organisations to support the causes they care about, while ECF manages governance, administration and grant-making. As Aron puts it, “You focus on the meaningful part.”
Interested in Establishing a Fund?
If you are an individual or business considering creating a charitable fund and investing in local communities across Essex, ECF would be pleased to have a conversation.
Contact: Perry Norton, Head of Development
Tel: 01245 355947
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk