Behind Brilliant Things: BT London to Paris Run in aid of AbilityNet!
Annie Mannion | 21 Sep 2026We're wishing 'bonne chance' and a hearty 'merci' to the 21 determined and dedicated BT staff and supporters who will be lacing up their trainers to take to the streets for their London to Paris Run later this week!
On Wednesday 23 September, the BT team, in connection with BT's connectivity partners Airties, will begin their challenge to run from London to Paris all in aid of AbilityNet!
The BT runners are aiming to raise £10,000 with their charity challenge. This amount would really make such a difference - it would enable AbilityNet to fund 40 new AbilityNet Tech Volunteers, bringing life-changing technology support to hundreds more older and disabled people across the UK.
Every volunteer helps someone stay connected to loved ones, access vital services, regain confidence and live more independently in an increasingly digital world.
As one person supported by AbilityNet said: "You explained everything so clearly and in a gentle manner... you have now helped me to develop my confidence."
Would you like to cheer them on, either by giving them some encouraging whoops at the start line, or via a donation? Your support would mean so much to the team, and to AbilityNet.
See a selection of photos of the runners in training for the London to Paris Run- pics include BT staff Matthew Hughes, Shazad Arshad, Charlene McCaul and Ella Court.
Join us to cheer on the start!
If you're an early riser and can be in London at the BT Head Office at 1 Braham St, London E1 8EE at 7.30am on Wednesday 23 September, the team would love you to cheer them on as they begin their 314km run.
The group will be joined by more BT Head office staff and supporters, who will do a kick-off 5km circuital run crossing Tower Bridge and then head back to the offices. All are welcome to take part in the 5k run too!
The BT London to Paris Run team will continue beyond Tower Bridge towards Newhaven for the first leg of their intercontinental journey. Groups of 5 runners will split into separate teams to run in parallel across the UK. The group will reach Paris on Friday 25 September.
Amy Low, AbilityNet's CEO, highlighted how the run really makes a difference:
"BT has been a fantastic partner helping us to close the digital divide for many years and has already helped us reach many more disabled and older people with the support that they need to use technology confidently and independently. The money you will raise through this incredible challenge to run the distance between London and Paris will help us continue that work and reach even more people.
Good luck to all the runners and to the brilliant volunteer team supporting you along the way. The team at Ability Net will be cheering you on every step between London and Paris."
Watch Amy's message (captions provided):
Sara Weller, Independent non-executive director on BT's Board of Directors shared her encouragement for the team:
"AbilityNet has been a fantastic partner to BT for many years, working with us to help people acquire the skills and confidence to make their way in an increasingly digital world. I am delighted that our BT London to Paris Run team has set the goal of raising £10,000 to support AbilityNet's broader work, and even more delighted that we will be sharing news of the team's day 1 experiences with the BT Board on Wednesday evening, and encouraging them to donate too!"
AbilityNet's Digital Skills project with BT Group is supporting older people and disabled adults with getting online and using technology, such as:- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments
Find out about Free BT Digital Skills sessions for older people and disabled adults Support AbilityNet via your organisation
Would your employees benefit from supporting AbilityNet charity in its goals to help older people and disabled people with technology?
We have many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership opportunities supporting our work helping older and disabled people through technology, from free support such as volunteering, to sponsorship and fundraising. Employees at organisations including BT and CapGemini, for example, have AbilityNet volunteers within their workforces.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss working together - we'd love to have a chat!
How AbilityNet can help you
- Call AbilityNet's helpline on 0300 180 0028
- Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
- See our database of FREE factsheets
- Access FREE webinars about technology and disability
