My Story

I am running the 2026 London Marathon in memory of my Uncle Ian Brebner, who passed away after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Ian was only 59 when he died from Pancreatic cancer.  He had retired from his job at Lloyds bank and I think essentially planned to spend his retirement touring the UK and the world watching any sporting event he could. He didn't particularly have a football team he supported, he liked Charlton, Fulham, FC Koln from Germany and curiously both Arsenal and Spurs! He liked Harlequins, having played rugby too. He had a keen interest in almost any sport, going to Olympic, athletic events and cricket too. 

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. The brutal reality is that diagnosis comes far too late for most people. Half of people die within three months of diagnosis. So, families are left with only hope to hang on to.  

I remember my Mum going through Ian's belongings after his funeral and finding a diary with various trips planned to worldwide sporting events that he never got to attend.  I took over his Harlequins season ticket for a season that wasn't even half way through before Pancreatic Cancer had claimed his life.

The disease must be detected sooner. 

And it can be.

Thanks to the work of Pancreatic Cancer UK's dedicated team of researchers, a simple test to detect the cancer earlier is within reach. It just needs more funding. 

Running the London Marathon seemed a fitting tribute to my Uncle Ian who grew up close to the route on Shooters Hill and then working in The City, London for Lloyds Bank.  I hope that the money raised will help fund an early diagnosis test that can help more people survivie this horrible disease.

Together with Pancreatic Cancer UK, a team of runners will give it our all. We won't give up. And we will cross that finish line.