Our very own menopause specialist, Dr Sarah Ball, will be taking on the London Marathon in 2026 in support of the Menopause Research and Education Fund (MREF) – a cause she describes as “too important to say no to.”
When first approached to run the marathon, Sarah’s initial response was a firm decline. But after reflection, she decided to embrace the challenge, driven by her passion for improving menopause awareness, research and education. As far as we are aware, nobody has ever run the London Marathon to raise money for a menopause-related charity.
Sarah previously completed the London Marathon in 2014. At that time, she was premenopausal, ran solo, and recalls feeling “pretty invincible,” despite the physical demands. Eleven years on, she describes herself as “wildly perimenopausal,” more aware of her limitations, and very conscious of the need for support, both physically and emotionally.
“As a menopause specialist, I am deeply passionate about shouting from the rooftops about the urgent need for better research, education and awareness around menopause. If I have to break my body a little to help move that forward, then I will.”
Sarah will be running alongside her friend Lisa, a personal trainer who specialises in working with menopausal women. Lisa will be fundraising for Mind, helping to spotlight the often-overlooked but powerful link between menopause and mental health. Together, they hope their joint training and fundraising journey will open up more honest conversations about the physical and psychological realities of menopause.
Why MREF matters
The Menopause Research and Education Fund (MREF) was founded out of frustration with the long-standing gaps in menopause care, including:
- The lack of high-quality menopause research
- Insufficient education for healthcare professionals
- Limited access to accurate, evidence-based information for those experiencing menopause
While data on menopause does exist, much of it remains under-analysed. This leaves critical questions unanswered about women’s health during midlife and beyond, particularly as many women will spend decades in post-menopause, when risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and dementia increase.
MREF is committed to ensuring robust research is undertaken to determine which treatments (hormonal or otherwise) are most effective, safest, and appropriate for both short- and long-term health. The charity is also focused on improving evidence-based education for doctors, so healthcare professionals feel confident in supporting people through all types of menopause, including early, surgical, chemical and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Sarah and Lisa are encouraging anyone who can to support their marathon efforts and help fund vital work that will shape the future of menopause care.
If you can, please donate here.
Last updated: February 2026
