Health · Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England, UK
Megan Boxall's coastal run makes Pride of Britain shortlist
How did Megan Boxall raise £70,000 for Samaritans?
Megan Boxall, from Aldeburgh in Suffolk, was one of four ITV Anglia East finalists for Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year in 2026. She ran the entire UK coastline as 200 marathons over 204 days, raising £70,000 for Samaritans. ITV reports that she is the fastest woman to complete the route.
What happened?
Megan Boxall, from Aldeburgh in Suffolk, was one of four finalists for ITV Anglia East’s Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year award in 2026.
Boxall ran the entire coastline of the UK. She split the route into 200 marathons and finished it in 204 days. ITV reports that she became the fastest woman ever to complete it. She raised £70,000 for Samaritans.
Why did she do it?
Two years ago, Boxall was struggling with her mental health. At her lowest point, she turned to Samaritans. She says they saved her life.
Since then, she has set out to show that every day can be lived to the full.
Why does it matter?
Samaritans answers calls from anyone who is struggling, at any time of day or night. Money raised by challenges like Boxall’s helps keep the service running.
Who else was shortlisted?
ITV Anglia East’s other 2026 finalists were:
- Breast of Friends, a group led by Claire Ling with Charlotte Jenkins and Melanie Britton. They run a “kindness corner” for people having chemotherapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.
- David Stanley, known as the Music Man, who started music workshops for people with learning disabilities in Essex more than 25 years ago.
- Roberta Lovick, whose fundraising after her daughter Louise died helped open the Louise Hamilton Centre at James Paget Hospital in 2013.
Where to get support
If you are struggling, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland, at any time. In an emergency, call 999.
See every 2026 Pride of Britain winner and regional finalist.
Sources & reporting notes
We checked ITV News Anglia's finalists' report of 10 September 2026. The 'fastest woman' claim is ITV's report; we have not verified it independently. The report does not say which Anglia East finalist won. We follow Samaritans' guidance for reporting on suicide.
- ITV News Anglia · 10 September 2026
Profiles the four Anglia East finalists, including Boxall's run and fundraising total.
Have a correction or a confirmed update? Contact our editorial team.
Common questions
- Why did Megan Boxall choose Samaritans?
- She told ITV that, at her lowest point two years ago, she turned to Samaritans and they saved her life.
- Who else was an Anglia East finalist?
- The other finalists were the Breast of Friends group in King's Lynn, David Stanley of Essex, known as the Music Man, and Roberta Lovick of Great Yarmouth.
