Hannah Cox’s remarkable endurance-running achievements have earned her a place on the Northern Leaders 2026 list.
Cox is a director of betternotstop and the Better Business Network, but is perhaps best known for her extraordinary fundraising exploits.
Hannah Cox ran 100 marathons in 100 days
In February 2026, she completed Project Salt Run, running 100 marathon distances in 100 days and covering an astonishing 4,222km across India.
The challenge aimed to raise £1m for environmental organisation 1% for the Planet and has already generated more than £108,000.
Another person recognised for his remarkable fundraising achievements is Adam Waugh, a 63-year-old sailor and former stockbroker from Northumberland.
In 2021, despite having sailed only in UK waters for two years and never having built a boat, Waugh set about building his own vessel.
He went on to sail solo around the world in the inaugural Mini Globe Race, raising £100,000 for the Ella Dawson Foundation.
Property entrepreneur Rob Lloyd founded Bearmont Group in 2017 and is a passionate charity fundraiser, serving as an ambassador for charities including Sense and Cancer Research Wales.
Rob Lloyd has co-authored a book entitled ‘How to Raise Money for Charity and Survive It’
Well known in the North West, he’s raised more than £1.2m for Sense and has also co-authored a book entitled ‘How to Raise Money for Charity and Survive It’.
Property professional Conor Flood’s fundraising efforts for brain tumour research are all the more remarkable because he was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just 28.
He completed a 10k run shortly after finishing chemotherapy and went on to run a half marathon alongside his father, Brendan.
Other people recognised for their charitable work include:
- 1. Natalie Kerr: The former nurse and mum-of-two has dedicated her life to raising awareness of organ donation after undergoing a double lung transplant in 2012.
- 2. Dez Derry: The entrepreneur and exited founder has become a passionate ambassador for Adoption Matters and Foster Care Matters, drawing on his own experiences of the care system.
- 3. Hannah Barlow and Tom Mathew: The siblings are the third generation to lead family-run Dunsters Farm, near Rochdale, and support a range of charitable initiatives, including Eat Well MCR.
- 4. Jo Walby: Chief executive of Mustard Tree since 2017, she leads the Greater Manchester charity’s work supporting people experiencing poverty and homelessness.
- 5. Vic Harper: Since becoming CEO five years ago, Harper has overseen significant growth at The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT), which now operates 121 community hubs across the North.
Now in its third year, Northern Leaders celebrates 200 entries recognising inspirational individuals from the worlds of business, sport, politics, charity, education, philanthropy, property and beyond.
The headline sponsor of Northern Leaders 2026 is OBI, supported by law firm CG Professional, GM Business Growth Hub and Rochdale Development Agency.
Everyone featured on the list will be invited to the Northern Leaders 2026 awards evening at KPMG’s Manchester office on November 19.
This year’s list features 93 new entries, reflecting BusinessCloud’s commitment to recognising fresh faces and unsung heroes alongside some of the North’s best-known figures.
Although the list comprises 200 entries, eight feature two people, bringing the total number of individuals recognised to 208, including 85 women.