Dan Byam Shaw's Marathon Tribute to The Felix Project

Dan Byam Shaw is set to run the London Marathon on April 26, 2026, dressed as a delivery van to raise funds for The Felix Project, a charity founded in memory of his late brother, Felix Byam Shaw. The charity, established in 2016 after Felix's death from meningitis, focuses on rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need across London and beyond. Byam Shaw aims to break the Guinness World Record for the "fastest marathon dressed as a road vehicle," with the current record standing at 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 41 seconds.

The Independent

The Felix Project has become a vital resource in combating food waste and food poverty. In its first decade, the charity has expanded significantly, merging with FareShare UK to enhance its reach. This merger has transformed The Felix Project into a national charity, operating seven depots across London, Suffolk, Merseyside, and Hampshire, and collaborating with 16 network partners to distribute food to over 8,000 organizations. Last year alone, the charity rescued over 18,000 tonnes of surplus food, equating to approximately 44 million meals, and supported an estimated 439,387 individuals weekly.

The Independent

Byam Shaw's motivation for participating in the marathon stems from a desire to honor his brother's legacy while raising awareness for the charity's mission. He expressed optimism about breaking the world record and hopes to raise £20,000 to support The Felix Project's expanded operations. The urgency of fundraising has increased due to the charity's recent growth and the rising demand for food support in the UK, where over six million adults and two million children face food insecurity.

The Independent

Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project, emphasized the significance of Byam Shaw's endeavor, stating, “Felix’s green vans have become a symbol of hope across London. Dan’s challenge captures the spirit of what we do perfectly — turning something practical into something powerful that helps hundreds of thousands of people every day.” Byam Shaw also noted the emotional connection he feels when people refer to the vans as "Felix," reflecting his journey of finding positivity in his brother's memory.

The Independent

While The Felix Project has garnered substantial support, challenges remain. A report by The Food Foundation highlights ongoing food insecurity issues, indicating that despite the charity's efforts, many individuals still lack access to adequate food resources. This underscores the need for continued support and awareness.

The Independent

As the marathon approaches, supporters are encouraged to follow Byam Shaw's progress and contribute to his fundraising efforts. The event not only serves as a personal tribute but also aims to spotlight the critical work of The Felix Project in addressing food poverty across the UK.

The Independent