Rugby league legend Jamie Jones‑Buchanan MBE takes on London Marathon to champion disability equality

Rugby League legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE is taking on the epic 26.2 mile London Marathon to show his support for fighting inequalities faced by disabled people who draw on care and support.

The seven-time Super League Grand Final winner and three-time World Club champion is raising money for vital community services provided by Community Integrated Care.

Former Leeds Rhinos and England forward Jones-Buchanan, 44, has been a long-term ambassador for the charity, which delivers more than eight million hours of specialist care across the nation and is a key partner of rugby league.

It aims to support people to live their Best Lives Possible. With access to care becoming more restricted for many due to pressures on public funding and in addition to its core services, the charity delivers a crucial range of free programmes and resources to enable people to live their dreams and enjoy lives of independence and equality.

From specialist guidance on managing the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis to programmes that help people overcome loneliness or find employment, these services tackle health, social and economic inequalities, and support family carers and communities.

These services, which help thousands of people every year, receive no direct public funding and are generously sustained by grants, donations and fundraising.

Every penny that Jones-Buchanan, who became Rhinos CEO in December, raises will be ring-fenced to help sustain these lifelines – and create more.

Now deep into his training with the event soon approaching on April 26, he explained: “I’m running the 2026 London Marathon for Community Integrated Care because their purpose mirrors the story of my own life.

“Rugby league gave me an opportunity to thrive against the odds. It built belief, structure, friendships, meaning, purpose, and a sense of community.

“That’s why I’m such a fan of Community Integrated Care. Their life-changing work supports people who have learning disabilities, and other complex needs, to thrive and live their best lives – and they don’t just talk about inclusion, they build it.

“I’ve seen how sport can open doors, create confidence, and give someone a sense of belonging. Community Integrated Care helps make sure those doors are open to everyone. “The Community Integrated Care team are a joy to work with and are experts in their craft. I’m honoured to wear their name on my chest and raise funds that help more people find their team, their voice, and their chance to flourish.

“I thank everyone who supports me by donating to their life-changing work on my fundraising page.”

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said, “Jamie has been an incredible Ambassador for our charity for many years, and we’re really proud to have him, and all of our amazing runners, taking on the 2026 London Marathon for Community Integrated Care. Jamie’s passion, values and dedication to inclusion shine through in everything he does – whether he’s inspiring our colleagues, giving his time to create unforgettable experiences, or championing equality through the power of sport.”

“His decision to represent us in the marathon is a deeply generous act that reflects his commitment to our purpose and to the people we support. The funds raised will directly support programmes that change lives, promote inclusion and create new opportunities for people with support needs across the UK. We’re extremely grateful to Jamie and to each of our runners for standing with us and championing this mission. We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.”

Donations can be made at Community Integrated Care’s dedicated fundraising page for Jones-Buchanan at www.SupportJJB.com.

As the Social Care Partner of rugby league, Community Integrated Care’s impact can be seen across the sport, creating with its clubs, like Rhinos, incredible programmes that transform lives.

This includes the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League – a non-competitive version of rugby league which has more than 400 players, that enables people who have learning disabilities or autism to live their dreams and grow in independence, playing for clubs they love, such as Leeds.

It also includes On The Same Team, an anti-bullying and discrimination education programme that has supported tens of thousands of primary school children to develop more inclusive attitudes, as a result of rising hate crime.