My Story

I’ve been lucky enough to receive a ballot place in this year’s London Marathon, something I never imagined would happen. When I first started running, I had no sporting background and even running 2 km left me breathless. Since then, I’ve committed to a training plan, taken advice from experts, changed my diet, woken up early, pushed through exhaustion and faced more setbacks than I can count, colds, flu, shin splints, each one knocking me back but not stopping me.

Throughout it all, I’ve been supported by my family and friends. And as my marathon journey began, another, far more challenging marathon began in my family too.

My uncle was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Like me, he had no preparation for the journey ahead. He too found himself suddenly following advice from experts, dealing with exhaustion, facing setbacks and uncertainty, and needing every ounce of determination just to keep moving forward. While my training takes place on pavements and parks, his takes place in hospitals and consultation rooms, a marathon of appointments, treatments, and incredible bravery.

What connects our two journeys is that neither of us are running alone.

Alongside his family and friends, Macmillan have been there for my uncle ever since the start of his journey, offering support, guidance, compassion and strength when it’s needed most. Their work has made a huge difference to him and to our whole family, and it’s because of that support that I want to try and raise some money for Macmillan.

So this year, every mile I run will be for Macmillan, in honour of my uncle and everyone who finds themselves running a marathon they never signed up for.

Thank you so much for any support you can give, it truly means so much!

For anyone that wants to track me on marathon day my number is 34481.