A RUNNER from Newton Abbot applied to run the London Marathon unaware she was about to become part of a remarkable co-incidence.

Daisy French is one of two women with the same name running the same event for the same charity.

While Newton Abbot, Daisy was applying to take part in the 26.2mile iconic run, 447 miles away in Midlothian in Scotland Daisy Greville Williams had also applied.

The two have never met but are both running for the charity Farm Africa, inspired by the same personal motivation - to honour their grandfathers.

Their stories are individual but they are connected by shared values, family legacy and a commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in eastern Africa.

Daisy French had applied for the London Marathon ballot for several years without success.

Determined to secure a place in 2026, she decided to run for a charity close to her heart.

Farm Africa is a charity that supports farmers in eastern Africa to improve the quality, quantity and value of their produce so they can support their families with more resilient livelihoods.

Daisy said: ‘My grandfather Brian Marnham spent years campaigning and spreading awareness about Farm Africa and even went on a trip to Ethiopia to see the work the charity does first-hand,

‘Now, after my parents have taken over the family farm and we are more present in the farming community, I want to continue his legacy.’

Meanwhile, Daisy Greville Williams from Midlothian had her own personal reason for applying to run.

Last year, her much-loved grandpa died.

She said: ‘Farm Africa was a cause incredibly close to his heart - he donated every month and was a long-time supporter. He spent many years living in sub-Saharan Africa and had a deep love for the continent, its people and its animals.’

When he died, Daisy and her family chose to collect donations for Farm Africa at his funeral, honouring his memory and ensuring his legacy of generosity would live on.

Now, Daisy is taking that tribute one step further by running the London Marathon in his name.