Two women, one name, and one extraordinary goal: to run 26.2 miles for the same cause close to their hearts. In a remarkable coincidence, Daisy French from Newton Abbot in Devon and Daisy Greville Williams from Midlothian in Scotland, who have never met, are both running the 2026 London Marathon on Sunday 26 April for the charity Farm Africa, inspired by the same deeply personal motivation: to honour their beloved grandfathers.
Living 447 miles apart, their stories are uniquely their own, yet powerfully connected by shared values, family legacy and a commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in eastern Africa.
In April 2025, two women with the same name, living at opposite ends of the UK, both applied to run the 2026 London Marathon for Farm Africa.
Daisy and Daisy had never met. Yet both were inspired by their beloved grandfathers.
Daisy French, from Newton Abbot, had applied for the London Marathon ballot for several years without success. Determined to secure a place in 2026, she decided to run for a charity close to her heart. The choice was simple: Farm Africa, a charity that supports farmers in eastern Africa to improve the quality, quantity and value of their produce, so that they can support their families with more resilient livelihoods.
“My grandfather Brian Marnham spent years campaigning and spreading awareness about Farm Africa and even went on a trip to Ethiopia to see the work the charity does first-hand,” Daisy explained. “Now, after my parents have taken over the family farm and we are more present in the farming community, I want to continue his legacy.” she continued.
Meanwhile, 447 miles north, Daisy Greville Williams from Midlothian had her own deeply personal reason for applying to run.
Last year, her much-loved grandpa sadly passed away. “Farm Africa was a cause incredibly close to his heart – he donated every month and was a long-time supporter. He spent many years living in sub-Saharan Africa and had a deep love for the continent, its people and its animals. Supporting Farm Africa was his way of staying connected to a place he cared for so deeply.” explained Daisy.
When he passed away, Daisy and her family chose to collect donations for Farm Africa at his funeral, honouring his memory and ensuring his legacy of generosity would live on. Now, Daisy is taking that tribute one step further by running the London Marathon in his name.
Two women. The same name. The same race. The same charity. And the same motivation – to honour their grandads and support smallholder farmers in eastern Africa.
It’s a remarkable coincidence, and a powerful reminder that no matter where you are in the world, shared values and shared love can bring people together for an extraordinary cause.
