Running for Dementia

12th March 2025

After securing a charity place for the London Marathon, we are delighted that Dr Thom Petty, a member of the New Vic’s Board of Trustees, will be putting on his running shoes this April to raise funds for the New Vic.

Thom is a doctor, actor, writer and director and a champion of representation – including access, health and wellbeing. Inspired by the work that the New Vic Education department do on a weekly basis to ensure members of the community suffering with Dementia have access to creative projects, Thom has chosen to fundraise for our regular groups at the Marathon. 

Thom is well into training for the event, which takes place on 27 April, and we’re looking forward to cheering him on next month!

Thom said: “As a new trustee I feel very honoured to be running the marathon to raise money for the New Vic. A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t stop people from living a full and creative life. The New Vic’s work with older people is transformative and you can see the immediate impact for participants. Working as a doctor in the NHS, I’m acutely aware of the impact of a diagnosis of dementia on individuals and their family. I’m training hard in the Staffordshire Moorlands and hoping that the hills will stand me in good stead for a flatter run in London! I’ve run the Stoke Potters ‘Arf marathon before but this is my first time doing the full 26.2 miles.”  

“Times are tough and there are lots of deserving causes, so I’m just asking for a donation of ten pounds, no more, if people are able to give. A tenner for Thom!” 

If you would like to support Thom as he runs for the New Vic at this year’s London Marathon, visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/thompetty  

Keep up-to-date with Thom’s training progress and cheer him on for the run by following updates on the New Vic’s social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Find out more about our regular groups for Creativity and Dementia and all the work our Education Team do here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/education-and-community/education/  

Photo Gallery

Thom Petty

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