From a record-breaking global run to community-led fundraising and pioneering research, Wings for Life continues to bring people together in the search for a cure for spinal cord injury.
A global movement driving research forward
How many people chased by a Catcher Car does it take to help advance research towards a cure for spinal cord injury? In May 2026, the answer was almost 350,000.
The 13th edition of the Wings for Life World Run, held on 10 May, brought together 346,527 participants across 173 countries, raising €9.2 million for spinal cord injury research. Since the event began in 2014, it has raised an impressive €69.7 million.
Unlike traditional races, the Wings for Life World Run has no fixed finish line. Instead, participants are chased by a moving Catcher Car, bringing runners, walkers and wheelchair users together in a shared challenge. In the UK, more than 5,000 people signed up, including nearly 500 participants at the Oracle Red Bull Racing factory.
These figures reflect more than the scale of a sporting event: they demonstrate how collective participation can raise awareness, mobilise resources and support the long-term search for better treatments for spinal cord injury.
Turning personal challenges into community action
The spirit of determination behind the World Run was also reflected in The Nation’s 5K, an extraordinary initiative led by Esmée Gummer.
Over 99 days, Esmée covered 5,000 km and organised free community 5K runs in all 77 UK cities and Dublin, earning a Guinness World Records title. Temporarily paralysed at the age of 18, she set out to make running accessible to people of all ages, abilities and levels of experience.
The challenge brought communities together around a shared goal while raising funds for charitable causes, including Wings for Life. It demonstrated how personal experience can inspire collective action, creating opportunities for people to connect, participate and contribute to a cause that affects lives around the world.
© realbuzz
Scientific research with one shared goal
Behind these community initiatives lies a sustained commitment to scientific progress. Wings for Life has supported 372 research projects across 19 countries, exploring new approaches to protecting nerve cells, promoting regeneration and improving recovery following spinal cord injury.
Its research spans a range of promising avenues, from stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms and exploring innovative electrical stimulation techniques to developing new therapeutic approaches that could help restore movement.
Although finding a cure remains a complex scientific challenge, continued investment in research is essential to advancing understanding, testing new treatments and bringing potential breakthroughs closer to clinical application.
© Wings for Life
Connecting generosity with lasting impact
At Fondation de France UK’s inaugural gala at the National Gallery in October 2025, Darren Edwards, Wings for Life ambassador and adaptive adventurer, shared his most inspiring perspective on resilience, determination and overcoming challenges. His contribution helped bring attention to the importance of spinal cord injury research and the people whose lives are affected by it.
From international sporting events to local community initiatives and scientific research, Wings for Life illustrates how different forms of engagement can contribute to a common ambition.
At Fondation de France UK, we are proud to highlight organisations working towards ambitious, long-term goals across the UK and France. Their work reminds us that philanthropy is not only about raising funds: it is also about connecting people, strengthening communities and supporting the sustained efforts needed to create meaningful change.
Discover more about Wings for Life: Visit the Wings for Life website