Peter Franks to run the London Marathon for Physionet
26 April 2026 will see Peter Franks take on one of the world’s most iconic races, the London Marathon, as he raises vital funds for Physionet Foundation CIO — a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled adults and children across the globe.
Peter has launched his fundraising campaign in support of Physionet’s mission to recycle and redistribute disability equipment to countries where access to such essential items is severely limited.
Turning discarded equipment into life-changing support
Disability remains a significant global challenge, with an estimated 350 million disabled adults and children across the Commonwealth alone. In many low-income countries, access to even the most basic mobility or therapeutic equipment is extremely limited.
Peter highlights heartbreaking examples — including children with spinal conditions who have spent their entire lives lying on floors, despite conditions that could be improved with appropriate support and equipment.
At the same time, in countries such as the UK, large volumes of usable disability equipment are discarded or scrapped due to upgrades or changing needs.
For the past 20 years, Physionet Foundation CIO has been bridging this gap. The charity:
- Collects donated adult and paediatric disability equipment
- Cleans, checks and refurbishes each item
- Ships equipment free of charge to countries in need
To date, Physionet has sent:
- 189 container loads
- Over 112,000 individual items
- To 33 countries worldwide
Every item is provided at no cost to the receiving organisations.
A volunteer-driven mission
Physionet is run entirely by volunteers. However, financial support remains crucial to:
- Cover core operating costs
- Subsidise international freight where necessary
- Send physiotherapists overseas to fit equipment
- Train local healthcare staff in disability care and rehabilitation
With the global decline in international aid, support for disabled communities in many parts of the world is deteriorating. Charities like Physionet are increasingly stepping in to fill that gap.
Supporting Peter’s Marathon challenge
By running the London Marathon, Peter hopes not only to raise funds but also to raise awareness of the urgent and growing need for disability support worldwide. Every donation will directly help Physionet continue delivering practical, life-changing assistance to those who need it most.
Supporters are encouraged to back Peter’s challenge and help ensure that vital equipment reaches disabled children and adults across the globe.
Peter is currently training hard and really looking forward to the challenge!
Donate now on Peter’s Just Giving page.