Two dedicated fundraisers tackled the London Marathon, raising an incredible £10,659 for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, providing 17 families with a week-long respite break and food hamper.
Running the London Marathon had always been on Joe Gaughan’s bucket list. After watching the event in awe, the keen runner from Silsden finally achieved this major milestone in 2026. Following a challenging but rewarding training journey, Joe successfully crossed the finish line in four hours 32 minutes and exceeded his original £4,000 fundraising target, bringing his total to £5,514.
Joe Gaughan [pictured below], Director of Gaughan Electrical, said:
“The Principle Trust is close to our hearts as a family and as a proud patron through our business, there was only one charity in my mind that I would represent. On race day, the sun really got me and my legs were done for at 18 kilometres. I struggled the whole way after that but giving up was never an option. I’m proud to have represented the charity finally and will never forget the day as a whole.”
For fellow runner Simon Horsfall [pictured below], the marathon was inspired by family members who had previously taken part. As a patron, Simon’s connection to The Principle Trust Children’s Charity developed through supporting its fundraising initiatives, building relationships with the founder's family, and even donating a holiday home in Bamburgh for charity auctions.
Simon Horsfall, Independent Mortgage & Protection Adviser, from Vista Financial Management, added:
“Having three children and loving our own family breaks has made me realise how fortunate we are. I was so proud to represent them in such an amazing event and thankful to The Principle Trust for giving me the opportunity. It was extremely tough as it was so hot but weirdly enjoyable at the same time”
Simon set out to raise £2,000 and surpassed his target early in his training. In total, he raised £5,145 for the charity and completed the race in an impressive three hours and seven minutes.
Together, Joe and Simon’s fundraising efforts will help The Principle Trust Children’s Charity continue providing free respite breaks to children across the region who are facing adverse childhood experiences. Many of the families the charity supports are living under immense emotional, physical, and financial pressure, often with little opportunity to spend quality time together or take a break from the challenges they face every day.
Mike Davies MBE, Founder of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to both Joe and Simon for their dedication, not only in taking on the challenge of the London Marathon but also their commitment to fundraising along the way. The respite breaks offer families the chance to step away from difficult circumstances, rest and recharge, reconnect with one another, and create positive memories that can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing. For many children, these holidays provide a rare opportunity to simply have fun, feel safe, and enjoy being a child.”
Since its launch in 2011 by founder Mike Davies MBE, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity has provided respite breaks for almost 6,000 children from across the region through its respite homes in Blackpool, Filey, and the Lake District. The Principle Trust operates a 100% donation policy, and every penny of the profits goes towards our mission. The charity now owns eight respite homes, enabling it to support around 308 families each year, giving children the chance to enjoy life-changing breaks away from their daily struggles.
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