Chris Newenham, Managing Director of Wilkin & Sons Ltd and Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, is set to run the 2026 London Marathon in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity that has provided invaluable assistance to his family.
The marathon marks another chapter in Chris’s long-standing commitment to supporting SSAFA, following the charity’s help in recent years, particularly during the 100th birthday celebrations for his mother, Noelle.
Chris hails from a proud military family with deep connections to the Armed Forces. His grandfather, Captain Percy Worth Newenham, served in the Royal Munster Fusiliers during World War I, where he was wounded at Gallipoli but miraculously survived. Chris’s father, Edward (Ted) Newenham, enlisted in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, while his brother Worth joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot. Though Ted was discharged from military service due to health issues after contracting rheumatic fever during basic training, he went on to live a full and healthy life until the age of 95.
Chris says:
“My family’s history is intertwined with the Armed Forces, and it has deeply shaped my appreciation for organisations like SSAFA. SSAFA’s unwavering support for my mother over the years, including their thoughtful gesture of presenting her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on her 100th birthday, has been exceptional. Their care goes above and beyond, and I am incredibly grateful.”
SSAFA’s work with Chris’s family has left a lasting impression, and he is determined to give back. His dedication to SSAFA aligns with the wider efforts of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, where Chris is currently Master. Over the last couple of years, the Company has focused much of its fundraising efforts on SSAFA, with Chris being part of a team that undertook the 13 Bridges Walk in 2025 to raise funds for the charity.
As he trains for the London Marathon, Chris’s thoughts are never far from the significance of this endeavour.
“SSAFA is a remarkable organisation that continues to support service men and women and their families, often in ways that others might overlook,” said Chris. “I’m proud to run in support of such a vital charity, knowing that every step I take will contribute to the wellbeing of the Armed Forces community.”
SSAFA works to make sure no-on in the Armed Forces community – serving and veteran, and their families – ever has to battle alone. For more information about SSAFA please visit www.ssafa.org.uk.
For more information about Chris’s fundraising efforts or to donate please click here.
