Laura James Marathon Fundraising
Laura James
My Story
In 2026, I’ll be standing on the start line of the London Marathon carrying far more than just the miles ahead of me. When I was 16, I lost my mum to cancer — a loss that changed my world forever. Just two years later, at 18, cancer came for me too. I was diagnosed with bone cancer in my leg, (Ewings Sarcoma) and everything I thought my life would be was suddenly put on hold.
The next 18 months were the hardest of my life. I went through relentless chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by life-changing surgery where half of my fibula was removed. The tumour had destroyed a nerve so badly it had to be taken too, leaving me with permanent foot drop. There were moments when I didn’t know if I’d ever walk again. To this day, every step I walk is something I’m conscious of, constantly wondering if others are looking at how I'm walking, constantly worried that I'm going to trip over. (And this happens a lot! Little did I also know I then had to endure a skin graft on the same leg in 2019 to remove skin cancer too!
When I began training in the summer I couldn’t even run 1km without having to stop. I even fell over at the start of my training (much to the humor of a passing bus driver!) questioning what I was even doing. A marathon felt impossible. Yet here I am. Thanks (I think?) to my sister entering the ballot on my behalf, I was given this chance — and despite the fear, the doubt, and the physical challenges I carry with me every day, I’m determined to keep going.
I’m running for my mum. I'm running for my family who had to put up with my emotions through my treatment (and every day since!) and for ferrying me back and forth to the hospital and keeping me company when I was the worst company. I’m running for the frightened 18-year-old who didn’t know if she’d ever walk again, let alone run. And I’m running for everyone facing bone cancer right now. I’m fundraising to help fund research, improve treatments, and give hope to those who need it most. Every donation, no matter how small, helps turn pain into purpose. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me. (And my wonky leg) 💛
-
Target
£3,000
-
Raised so far
£4,520
-
Number of donors
99
My Story
In 2026, I’ll be standing on the start line of the London Marathon carrying far more than just the miles ahead of me. When I was 16, I lost my mum to cancer — a loss that changed my world forever. Just two years later, at 18, cancer came for me too. I was diagnosed with bone cancer in my leg, (Ewings Sarcoma) and everything I thought my life would be was suddenly put on hold.
The next 18 months were the hardest of my life. I went through relentless chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by life-changing surgery where half of my fibula was removed. The tumour had destroyed a nerve so badly it had to be taken too, leaving me with permanent foot drop. There were moments when I didn’t know if I’d ever walk again. To this day, every step I walk is something I’m conscious of, constantly wondering if others are looking at how I'm walking, constantly worried that I'm going to trip over. (And this happens a lot! Little did I also know I then had to endure a skin graft on the same leg in 2019 to remove skin cancer too!
When I began training in the summer I couldn’t even run 1km without having to stop. I even fell over at the start of my training (much to the humor of a passing bus driver!) questioning what I was even doing. A marathon felt impossible. Yet here I am. Thanks (I think?) to my sister entering the ballot on my behalf, I was given this chance — and despite the fear, the doubt, and the physical challenges I carry with me every day, I’m determined to keep going.
I’m running for my mum. I'm running for my family who had to put up with my emotions through my treatment (and every day since!) and for ferrying me back and forth to the hospital and keeping me company when I was the worst company. I’m running for the frightened 18-year-old who didn’t know if she’d ever walk again, let alone run. And I’m running for everyone facing bone cancer right now. I’m fundraising to help fund research, improve treatments, and give hope to those who need it most. Every donation, no matter how small, helps turn pain into purpose. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me. (And my wonky leg) 💛
