Meet James Ryan
James Ryan is the Director of Ursuline Links, a charity running the Ursuline Sisters Youth Ministry programme across six schools in East London, Essex, West London and Kent. This April, he’ll be running the London Marathon 2026 in support of our refugee friends.
A welcoming place
James first encountered JRS UK when he took up his role at Ursuline Links. When he visited the centre, he knew immediately it was somewhere special. “As soon as I walked in, I just got a feel that this was a welcoming place,” he told us. The young people from his programme who had come to volunteer at the centre came back full of admiration for the work happening there – and that stayed with him.
For James, the decision to run is rooted in his faith and a deep belief in the dignity of every human person. “Everyone should have access to shelter, food and community. This work is important – and this is why I wanted to run the London Marathon for this community.”
The training journey
James has always loved running, and says the experience of being part of Team JRS UK has been unlike any other. From online check-ins to being welcomed at the JRS centre, the sense of community has stood out. “I’ve run the marathon for other organisations and I don’t think I’ve received this level of community amongst runners. The support is phenomenal.”
Get involved
Inspired by James? You can sponsor his marathon journey via his JustGiving page — every donation goes directly to frontline services for people seeking sanctuary:
And if you fancy taking on your own challenge, we’d love to have you on the team!
