The Lloyd Cowan Bursary (LCB) and the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund (RPMF) have opened applications for their 2025 bursary programmes, extending their joint commitment to supporting young athletes and coaches across the UK. The two charities have strengthened their collaboration again this year, aligning fundraising efforts and streamlining the grant process so support can reach those who need it most. Both organisations remain independently run, but their shared approach has already helped maximise impact across the sport.

Since their founding – RPMF in 1991 and LCB in 2021 – the charities have enabled hundreds of athletes and coaches to access opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Olympic and World 400m Champion Christine Ohuruogu, a founding Trustee of the Lloyd Cowan Bursary, said that the partnership continues the ethos that shaped Lloyd’s life and career. “Lloyd always believed in lifting others, and the bursary created in his name keeps that spirit alive. Launching our 2025 bursary alongside the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund means more young British talent gets a fair shot. We’re also excited to be back at the TCS London Marathon, rallying our own team to raise vital funds.”

Olympian Jo Jennings-Summers, Trustee of the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of working together at a time when finances are tight for many families.

“Both charities want the same thing: to help young people in athletics reach their potential. Working together on fundraising and streamlining how we operate means we can do more when money is tight. We thank TCS London Marathon for supporting us with fundraising places. Our marathon runners make these bursaries possible, and every step helps a promising young athlete or coach move forward.”

Both organisations will once again field their own fundraising teams for the TCS London Marathon 2026, each with ten places available and a minimum fundraising target of £2,500 per runner. Every pound raised goes directly towards athlete and coach grants, and runners are encouraged to join #TeamLCB or #TeamRPMF via the charities’ websites.

The partnership between LCB and RPMF continues to honour the legacies of Lloyd Cowan MBE and Ron Pickering OBE, two influential figures who dedicated their careers to developing British athletes. By working together, the charities aim to reach further, remove barriers and ensure that young people in the sport have the support they need to pursue their ambitions.

Apply now:

Application form links: and details:

LCB Athlete Bursary Closes 14 November

LCB Coach Bursary Closes 14 November

RPMF Athlete Bursary Closes 28 November

Find out more:

Ron Pickering Memorial Fund – info@rpmf.org.uk – www.rpmf.org.uk

Lloyd Cowan Bursary – info@lloydcowanbursary.org – www.lloydcowanbursary.org