Medical student to run London Marathon for Nottingham's most vulnerable
published on 16 Mar 2026
23‑year‑old medical student Joseff Griffiths will run the London Marathon this April to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, driven by a family legacy of compassion and a deep desire to help people on the margins.
Joseff’s inspiration begins with his younger sister Bethan, who has Down’s Syndrome. Whenever she sees someone sleeping on the streets, it brings her to tears — and compels her to take action. Each year, she donates her birthday money to The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeals.
“My sister's compassion shaped mine. I want to live a life where belief becomes action, just like hers.”
Now a fourth‑year medical student and co-president of the University of Nottingham’s Just Love society, Joseff is known for leading students in practical service — from supporting those in need to visiting people experiencing homelessness. He hopes his marathon will show his generation that compassion can be turned into real, tangible change.
Joseff is aiming for a remarkable sub‑three‑hour marathon, training weekly with the university’s athletics society. But he says the hardest part isn’t the miles — it’s raising the funds needed to support the work he believes in.
“Your donation becomes warmth, food, safety, friendship,” he said. “The Salvation Army is where people find belonging in a lonely world.”
One of Joseff’s biggest supporters is Robert Jepson, the Salvation Army church leader at the Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, and chaplain at the University of Nottingham. Rob says: “Joseff’s heart translates to action. He cares deeply, leads quietly, and welcomes students from all over the world. He’s already a role model — and he’ll be an extraordinary doctor one day.”
Every step Joseff takes in London will help The Salvation Army continue its work with people facing homelessness, isolation, and hardship across the UK.
“Whatever I raise,” Joseff said, “I hope it helps someone feel seen and valued.”
Be part of Joseff’s story: donate via his JustGiving page.
A church and charity, The Salvation Army expresses its Christian faith by offering friendship, practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people in our communities. To help support The Salvation Army’s year-round work please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/donate
For more information about its activities in Nottingham, visit Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls | The Salvation Army
“Young people care so much, but it’s hard to know what to do with that feeling. This run is my way of doing something, and showing others they can too.”