For the very first time, we are excited to announce our London Marathon team! We have a group of incredible individuals who are uniting to raise awareness, support, and vital funds for people affected by BDD. Each runner brings their own unique story, motivation, and connection to BDD, making this team not only inspiring but also really meaningful. We can’t wait to cheer them on every step of the way – and we hope you’ll join us in supporting their fundraising journeys!
Meet the Team ⬇️
Charlie Walker
“I’m not sure if I’m more excited or terrified to be running the London Marathon for the BDD Foundation – very few things in life could inspire me to run 26 miles, but this incredible charity is one of them. My first taste of running was signing up for a half marathon with a friend, completely forgetting until two days before, and then rocking up to the start line with zero training, a mild hangover, and a big ego thinking I’d be fine. I was then violently humbled – losing two toenails, 80% of the skin on my heels, and, most significantly, my dignity. I hobbled over the finish line, swore off running for life – yet here I am, dusting off my running shoes.
The BDD Foundation is a cause worth all the chafing. This phenomenal charity was my North Star when I was lost in the disorder a few years ago. Their online resources demystified available support, their conference connected me with experts who advocated for my treatment, and their weekly support group gave me a community that made me feel seen and hopeful. I’m eternally grateful for everything they do, and it’s a genuine honour to give back to a charity that has helped me so much (and yes, I promise I’ll actually train this time). See you on the start line!”
Dom Robinson
“I’m incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon in 2026 in support of The BDD Foundation. It’ll be my fifth marathon – but without question, the most meaningful.
Running the London Marathon has been a dream of mine for over a decade – one I shared with my sister Charlotte. We’d enter the ballot year after year, but never got in. In 2026, I’ll finally be on that start line – not alongside Charlotte, as we’d hoped, but in her memory. I’m running in honour of the BDD Foundation and to raise awareness of body dysmorphic disorder, which we now believe played a devastating role in Charlotte’s passing in December 2023.
I’m in the process of running 32 half marathons in 32 weeks for the charity in the lead up to the big day, so I hope I have some energy left in the tank by April! I can’t wait to give it my all.”
Ulrike Buhlmann
“I’m a professor of clinical psychology at Münster University in Germany, specialising in BDD. My journey into this field began during my graduate studies, when I conducted my master’s thesis on BDD under the supervision of Richard McNally at Harvard University and Sabine Wilhelm at Massachusetts General Hospital. What started as an academic project quickly became a lifelong passion to understand and support those affected. Today, my research focuses on the daily fluctuations of BDD symptoms and the factors linked to suicidal thoughts, aiming to improve prevention and treatment.
Running has always been a deeply personal part of my life. Since my first marathon in New York City in 2006, each race has been dedicated to a cause or a loved one. This year feels especially meaningful, as it will be the first time I’m running as part of a team – and not just any team, but Team BDDF. I’m incredibly proud to join this group of runners who share a common goal of raising awareness and support for those affected. Every mile represents compassion, perseverance, and hope for better understanding and care for those living with BDD. And if you’re at the marathon, look out for ‘magic snail’ – please cheer me on!”
Danny Bowman
“I was inspired to run for the BDD Foundation because of my own experience living with severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder. At its worst, BDD took over every aspect of my life, leaving me housebound, forcing me to drop out of education, and bringing me close to losing my life.
Thanks to the BDD Foundation and the exceptional clinicians at the Maudsley Hospital, I was able to recover. With the right support, my life was transformed – I went on to pursue a PhD, gain meaningful employment, and even stand as a Parliamentary candidate. That same determination and resilience now drives me through my marathon training, following the excellent plan set out by the London Marathon team.
Training is going well, and I’m steadily building my stamina ahead of race day. More than anything, I’m looking forward to standing on the start line alongside my fellow Team BDDF runners – taking in the atmosphere, feeling the unity, and being ready to take on the challenge together.
This charity has given me so much. Now, it’s my turn to give something back.”
