Earlier this year, we announced our partnership of fitness coach, endurance athlete and realbuzz ambassador Esmée Gummer for her nationwide movement initiative: The Nation's 5k. Charity running is right at the heart of its mission. Esmée is already set to make her miles mean more for two incredible causes, and she's on the lookout for even more partners to support along the way.
Say hello to Sport in Mind and Wings for Life, just two of the amazing charities she'll be raising vital funds and awareness for as she gets the nation moving.
What is the Nation's 5k Challenge?
Esmée’s personal story is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18 years old, she was left paralysed following complications from a medical procedure and was told she would never walk again. Defying all odds, she has not only taught herself to walk again but has since conquered more than 50 gruelling endurance events.
Her next challenge takes place from 27th June to 3rd October 2026, and Esmée is taking her mission to every single city in the UK. The goal? To get one million people moving together, fostering community connection, and making physical activity accessible to all, whether you choose to run, jog, walk, or roll this charity 5k.
Meet The Charity Partners
When we opened the search for the official charity partners to champion alongside Esmée, we were looking for organisations that perfectly mirror this spirit of resilience, community, and the life-changing power of movement. Today, we are absolutely thrilled to introduce the two incredible charities that will be supported by The Nation's 5k: Wings for Life and Sport in Mind.
Sport in Mind
Sport in Mind is the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, using the power of sport and physical activity to transform the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges.
Founded in Berkshire in 2010, Sport in Mind delivers free sport and physical activity sessions across England to support the recovery and wellbeing of children and adults struggling with mental health. Through inclusive, supportive and accessible sessions, the charity helps people improve their physical health, build confidence, reduce isolation and feel part of a community again.
Every year, Sport in Mind supports thousands of people through activities ranging from running, football and yoga to walking groups, paddleboarding and wellbeing sessions, creating safe spaces where people can connect, move and thrive.
By taking part in The Nation’s 5K and fundraising for Sport in Mind, participants will be helping more people access life-changing support through sport and movement.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Esmée and be part of The Nation’s 5k. At Sport in Mind, community sits at the heart of everything we do, and this challenge is such a powerful opportunity to bring people together through movement, connection and shared purpose. Every step taken and every pound raised will help us continue supporting people experiencing mental health challenges through the transformative power of sport and physical activity.
- Aysha Naziri, Sport in Mind
Wings for Life
Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation with the sole mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. They fund world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Every 2 hours, someone in the UK sustains a spinal cord injury, and most become wheelchair users as a result. Spinal cord injury affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is most commonly caused through road traffic accidents, falls, illness or sports. A spinal cord injury happens in a moment, but the impact lasts a lifetime. After an injury, most people live through months, if not years, of rehabilitative therapy.
Since 2004, Wings for Life has invested in cutting-edge projects and is now starting to see real breakthroughs. Breakthroughs which are seeing paralysed individuals regaining functionality, and, in some cases, walking again. In fact, there has been more progress made in the last 5 years than there has been in the previous 25 and, through their continued investment, Wings for Life are turning hope into belief.
“We’re incredibly proud of Esmée for taking on The Nation’s 5k this summer, and we wish the very best of luck to everyone walking, running, or rolling alongside their local communities. Together, we’re moving one step closer to finding a cure. As Red Bull kindly covers all our costs, 100% of your donations to Wings for Life will go directly to funding spinal cord injury research projects.”
- Annelise Kerrison, Wings for Life UK
Want to get involved? Make an impact with The Nation's 5k 2026
As the official registration partner, we’ve made it super simple for you to sign up to a local 5k run and make a difference to these two amazing charities.
When you sign up for your local city event, you'll have the option to donate directly. All official fundraising is securely powered through GoFundMe, ensuring your individual efforts turn into massive, collective national impact.
Are you ready to run, walk, or roll for a greater purpose?
