Tony Discipline, 36, who previously played Tyler Moon on the BBC’s flagship show EastEnders, is taking part in the 2026 London Marathon on Sunday 26 April. Now a fireman in the London Fire Brigade alongside his acting work, he is running to raise funds for Independent Age, the national charity focussed on ending poverty in later life.
Tony decided to lace up his running shoes after attending a conference held by the charity in 2025, which looked at the reality of poverty in later life in the UK and how it can be addressed.
Tony explained:
“I felt a real connection to the charity’s cause after hearing about the struggles that so many people are going through in their later years. I couldn’t believe almost two million older people were living in poverty. I just wanted to help in any way I could.
Tony is particularly passionate about the work Independent Age does to help older people at risk of losing their homes, especially the fast-growing number of older people in privately rented homes. Alongside their advice services, the charity campaigns for improvements in the private rental sector, including the soon to be introduced Renters’ Rights Act.
Tony said:
“Home is everything, it’s where you should feel safe. But for so many older people, that security is disappearing. I’ve heard stories of people choosing between heating and eating and struggling to pay rent. It’s heartbreaking; no one should reach later life and fear losing their home.
“Independent Age provides advice and support that can lift people out of poverty and help them stay in their homes. That’s why I’m running this marathon: to help make sure every older person has enough money to live a decent life and live in a decent home.”
Claiming to have never run more than five kilometres before he started training for the 42-kilometre (26.2 mile) challenge, Tony knew it was going to be tough to prepare for world’s most iconic marathon.
Tony said:
“At first the training was physically hard but after a while it got easier. Right now, I’m feeling great and ready to do my absolute best on marathon day. But the best part about training has been the mental clarity and positivity it’s given me. Every run feels easier knowing it is all going towards helping Independent Age and our wonderful older generation.
“I’ve felt supported from the very start, and I’d encourage anyone thinking about fundraising for a charity to check out Independent Age.”
Tony is part of a four-person team running the London Marathon for Independent Age this year. Each person is aiming to raise £2,200 for the charity, you can donate to Tony’s fundraising page here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/tony-discipline
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:
“Thank you, Tony, for choosing to fundraise for Independent Age. Your commitment to helping those facing financial hardship in later life and raising awareness of this issue is fantastic.
“Our Helpline and advice services supports thousands of older people each year, and your contribution will help us continue to be there for them in the future. Good luck on race day, all of us at Independent Age will be cheering you on.”
Independent Age is the national charity focused on fighting poverty in later life. Their helpline and expert advisors offer free, practical support to older people struggling with their finances. Their grants programme supports hundreds of local organisations working directly with older people across the UK. They use the knowledge and insight gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.
