My Story

Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my fundraising page!

I am running the 2026 TCS London Marathon in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. They ensure The Royal Marsden's world-leading nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world.

Following successful completion of the Brighton Marathon in 2024, I have decided to run the London marathon on 26th April 2026. This is to raise money for the charity which cared for, supported, and homed my big brother Ashley for many years, Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

In May 2022, my older brother Ashely Smith, sadly passed away after a 13-year battle with Ewing sarcoma cancer at only age 34. He had a long turbulent battle, beating his cancer once and living with 1 kidney, to then having his other kidney fail and spending countless days on dialysis, to even then having our loving mum donate him her kidney via transplant. After all of this, the cancer finally came back and spread, this time being too much for him to beat. My saving grace was that I was lucky enough to be with him, holding his hand as he took his final breaths in the comfort of his own home.

He was not only my big brother, or Bro as I called him, but he was also my best friend. He was my rock for many years and it has been a huge struggle to deal with the huge hole in my life, his passing left. Therefore, as The Royal Marsden was the hospital he spent many years at, who was there for him and us every step of the way, I have chosen to represent them to allow them to continue the great work they do supporting people all over with Cancer and helping their loved ones.

In 2014, after my brother beat his cancer the first time around, he ran the Brighton marathon. This was one of his proudest achievements as he was still living with all his post-cancer related health issues. I know he would have loved to compete in the London race, if he had the chance. So I would be truly honoured to make him proud and complete the race he never got the chance to participate in.

Your donations can really make a difference to so many people!

Thank you!

Billy

Rest in Paradise, Big Bro, Ashley Smith

19.02.88 - 04.05.22