‘The hardest thing of my life’ – our inspirational London Marathon runners

Siobhan McGeown

Siobhan was inspired to run by her parents (in main picture), who have both had cancer. She says: “After watching both my parents suffer from cancer (ovarian and prostate), as well as several other close family members, I want nothing more than to see better outcomes for cancer diagnoses, as well as better detection and testing before it gets to that stage.”

Angela Brooks (left, wearing cap)

Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 aged only 33. ​She’s currently in remission but still living with the impact of cancer, including early menopause​. Angela told us about her training schedule: “Every 3 weeks, between rounds of chemotherapy, I set myself the goal of completing a 10k run.”

Sam Burton

Sam says: “The decision to run for World Cancer Research Fund is driven by my Father’s recent diagnosis with kidney cancer, an event that has reshaped my perspective on life and illuminated the critical importance of cancer research and advocacy.​”

Jack Gibbons and family

Jack Gibbons

This is Jack’s second marathon for us, having also run in 2018. He’s running in memory of his mum, Maggie, who received a diagnosis of very aggressive stage IV melanoma in late 2023 and passed away in January 2024.

Maggie was there to support Jack when he ran his first marathon and was there at the finish line of the London Landmarks half in 2023 to see him over the line. Her support meant the world to Jack and he’s proud to be able to run for her in 2025 and raise money for World Cancer Research Fund.

David Herlihy

David sadly lost his Dad to cancer in April 2024, and his Mum has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time in 5 years​. He’s dedicated to health and fitness, and has completed 5 marathons, an ironman and 2 ultra marathons​.

Hannah Stedman

Hannah is running in memory of her amazing Mum, who “had a very quick battle with lung cancer in October 2023. She was diagnosed on the 3rd and had passed by the 24th. To say this experience was the hardest thing of my life is an understatement.”​

George White

George is a mortgage broker based in the West Midlands and is motivated to run for us after recently losing his Godfather to cancer.