Lauren Nancekivell Argyle Community Trust are delighted to announce that renowned Plymouth based food influencer ‘Curly Gaz’ will be running the 2026 London Marathon in support of Project 35, our social impact initiative in partnership with Ginsters aimed at tackling poverty in the region.
Having previously run a maximum distance of 10k, the London Marathon, a prestigious and world-renowned event, and one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is sure to pose a real challenge for Gaz who has already started training hard for the event which takes place on the famous route through the streets of London on Sunday, 26 April.
Importantly, Gaz will be raising vital funds and awareness for Project 35. The award-winning social impact initiative, now into its fourth year, uses a comprehensive campaign of fund-raising, awareness raising, social outreach, food donations, education and charity support to support those most in need and allow individuals and families to exit poverty sustainably with the support of Principal Partner Ginsters. Gaz has already shown support for the project through various activations, but this will be his biggest challenge yet!
Plymouth’s favourite foodie is taking the local food scene by storm with a mission to uncover all the best food the city has to offer. Gaz has become a household name through his authentic reviews and infectious personality. Growing up in Plymouth, his trademark ‘Geddon Beys’ has become a definitive voice for the city’s vibrant eatery culture and now he is asking the community to get behind him to support this important cause.
Talking about the upcoming run, Gaz said: “I’m so proud to be running for a project that delivers real change. This marathon will be one of the biggest challenges of my life, but to be running for those in need, growing awareness, and raising donations makes it all worth it.
“Every step I take is for those families, for the Green Army spirit, and for a stronger, fairer Plymouth. I hope everyone can get behind the cause and any support, big or small, will help keep Project 35 running strong!”
Argyle Community Trust Fundraising Officer, Matt White, is delighted to have Gaz on board: “Everyone at the Trust was delighted when Gaz accepted the challenge to run for Project 35, especially with many of the Trust and Club staff being fans and followers of his food related content.
“We wish Gaz well for his training and the marathon itself and urge the Green Army, and members of the community to support him, and the project.”
Carys Barriball, Senior Brand Manager at Ginsters, said: “We want to wish Curly Gaz the very best of luck with his marathon training and on race day itself, we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way. We’re thrilled that Curly Gaz has chosen to support Project 35, helping to spread the message of the initiative and fundraise to make a real difference for those in need across our local community.”
Look out for Curly Gaz as he puts in the hours training around the city and make sure to cheer him on and show him the support, we know the community will give. He will be wearing a Plymouth Argyle playing kit for the 25/26 season, donated by the Plymouth Argyle, with ‘TEXT ‘CURLY’ to 70450 to donate’ on the back, so if you have the means, every donation is greatly appreciated. There will also be QR codes displayed around Trust facilities – The Hub at Foulston Park and Manadon Sports and Community Hub which can be scanned for donations, so keep an eye out!
All donations through our TextGiving are set at a £10 automatic donation. Donations can range from any whole pound, from £1 to £20, specifying the amount in the text message as shown in the following: ‘CURLY5’, for a £5 donation. All texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Be sure to check out Curly Gaz on social media for more updates on his journey:
- Instagram – curlygaz_eats
- Facebook – Gaz Packer
- TikTok – curlygaz_eats
Curly Gaz will also be donating a portion of the funds raised for our Manadon Food Larder, and Community Café. For more information about our Community Café and Food Larder please email trevor.higgins@pafc.co.uk or register your interest here: Food Club Registration Form – Manadon
You can donate through text or via the dedicated fundraising website: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gaz-packer.
Find out more about Project 35 on the dedicated microsite Project 35 | Plymouth Argyle.
