Harrow and Brent volunteers from St John Ambulance were part of the team running one of the most demanding treatment centres at the finish line of the London Marathon, alongside units from across the UK and Northern Ireland.
The finish line is where the highest number of incidents occur, with runners collapsing after completing the race. Crews dealt with a large number of casualties throughout the day, mainly linked to severe cramp, exhaustion and heat stroke, with patients brought in by Mobile Response Teams before being assessed and treated on site.
A team of 12 first aiders and emergency responders from Harrow and Brent worked within the major trauma treatment centre, which was the only designated trauma/majors centre at the finish line. Many of the doctors and nurses volunteering there were from A&E departments across London and the wider UK.
Paolo Arrigo, Community Network Lead for SJA Harrow, said: “A contingency of 12 first aiders and emergency responders from SJA Harrow and Brent were proud to have been working the major trauma treatment centre at the 2026 London Marathon – right at the finishing line.”
He added: “Scores of patients were treated here before being released or forwarded to hospital for further treatment.”
Around 1,400 St John Ambulance volunteers, including first aiders, emergency responders, nurses, doctors and paramedics, supported the marathon, backed by 45 ambulances.
Reflecting on the day, Paolo said: “I treated a young lady yesterday in tears who had raised £12,700 for a hospice who had looked after her father. We cried together as I treated her because I had lost my father aged just 59 – my age now – at St Lukes Hospice in Harrow.”
He also highlighted the wider impact of the event, saying the marathon raises money for “so many worthwhile causes” and relies on teams across the route working together to provide care.
The Harrow and Brent unit continues its work locally, including training residents in CPR and how to use defibrillators, with volunteers due to be in Harrow town centre on 30 May.
Those wishing to support their work can donate here: https://donate.givetap.co.uk/d/m7266qgb?qr-id=1
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
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