A 20-year-old student has completed the London Marathon in extraordinary fashion — running all 26.2 miles dressed head-to-toe in a purple elephant costume on one of the hottest and most challenging race days on record.

Matthew Fullalove, a student at Newcastle University, crossed the finish line in an incredible time of 4 hours 21 minutes, despite running in a full velvet mascot costume with limited visibility and very little room to breathe.

The race, which saw a record number of runners taking part, was made even more gruelling by soaring temperatures, but Matthew pushed through in what supporters described as a "heroic" effort.

Running in support of The Purple Elephant Project, a local children's mental health charity, Matthew's challenge was driven by a deeply personal connection. 

His mother, Anne, is a play therapist of over 30 years who trained alongside the charity's founder and has supported its work over many years.

Speaking about the marathon, Fullalove said: "I set off too quickly and definitely hit a wall around 15 miles — the last 9 were really tough, especially in the heat and the costume. But hearing people shouting 'Matty' every few seconds kept me going."

His family supported him along the route at miles 6, 13 and 22, before joining a large group of supporters at The Purple Elephant Project cheer point at mile 25 — a moment that proved especially emotional.

Fullalove added: "When I saw everyone at mile 25, it really hit me. I got quite emotional — but that support carried me to the finish."

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Despite finishing with sore legs after the physically demanding run, he was back in Newcastle the very next day, resuming student life.

His efforts are helping raise vital funds and awareness for The Purple Elephant Project, which supports approximately 300 families each year, with more than 50 children currently waiting for urgent mental health support.



Matthew Fullalove with his parents Anne and Simon, sister Emma and Nina from The Purple Elephant Project (Image supplied)

Adding to the day's achievements, fellow runner, Millie Newman, from Teddington, also took on the marathon for the charity, despite making the decision to run just one week before race day and completing no formal training.

Newman had to defer her place in last year's marathon due to injury, and this year struggled to train whilst balancing university finals and working part-time for that charity. 

She relied on determination alone, jogging and walking the entire course to finish in an impressive 5 hours 15 minutes.

"I knew I couldn't waste my ballot place," she said. "I hadn't trained at all, but I just went for it."

Together, Fullalove and Newman have already raised  £3,900, with donations still coming in. Every penny will go towards helping children access vital mental health support when they need it most.

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Nina Bradburn, Fundraising Manager at The Purple Elephant Project, said: "These two are heroes in our eyes. Matthew's determination to complete the marathon in such extreme conditions, in a full costume, was nothing short of extraordinary. 

"And Millie's achievement, taking on 26.2 miles with no training, shows real courage and resilience.

"What they've both done will help us reach more children who are struggling and give them the support they desperately need.

"They are the most incredible role models to the children we support and to anyone else out there who struggles to believe in themselves. You are capable of so much more than you think."

If you've been inspired by this story and are lucky enough to secure a ballot place in next year's London Marathon, The Purple Elephant Project says it "would love you to join itss herd". Just contact Nina Bradburn at [email protected]."

The Purple Elephant Project offers support from it's dedicated therapy centre in Twickenham and across more than 35 schools, providing specialist therapeutic support to children facing emotional trauma, anxiety and other significant challenges — but demand continues to grow, with many schools and families unable to access support due to lack of funding.

Both runners' efforts have not only raised vital funds, but have also helped shine a spotlight on the urgent need for accessible children's mental health support.