Fundraiser runs London Marathon after losing parents to cancer
Over the last few years, both the mother and father of Kemi Williams died from cancer in their early sixties.
Following this, Kemi herself was diagnosed with a chronic condition which caused severe pain, inflammation, and immobility. She was left sofa bound with extreme weight fluctuations in the space of a year.
“I knew I wanted to respond to my parents’ deaths in a useful way, but I was paralysed with grief and my body was giving up on me. I began suffering from severe exhaustion and extreme pain to the point I could barely move,” Kemi said.
Determined to reclaim her health, Kemi drastically overhauled her nutrition, streamlined her food intake for recovery, and began rebuilding her fitness by going for short walks before incorporating running for one minute or two at a time.
This year, she will run the TCS London Marathon to support life-changing research and give hope to people with cancer.
Reflecting on her journey, Kemi shared:
“In October 2024, I could barely walk. But once the worst of my symptoms passed, I began run-walking. Those tiny, incremental steps were gruelling at the time, but they changed everything.”
By October 2025, significant improvements in her health enabled Kemi to run a half-marathon – a feat which solidified her dedication to using the sport as a cathartic tool for regaining control of her life.
“So many things in life are dependent on someone else being in charge and having control… over our jobs, opportunities, freedom, availability… on a daily basis and with regards to our long-term dreams. But running is the one thing you can take ownership of, it is you taking charge of yourself. It’s been so empowering to regain control of my body – from a place of illness and immobility – and rebuild my entire sense of self,” she said.
Running has been instrumental in helping Kemi cope with her grief as she comes to terms with the loss of her parents.
“I often wake up angry, stressed or feeling quite down. Using those moments to propel my body to run, when my mind might be wrecking havoc or in a state of apathy, and forcing myself into the repeated, rhythmic movement of putting one foot in front of the other somehow has a shake, cleanse, and reset effect. It leaves me recharged for the day ahead, and I can reframe and reflect on the grief that I carry,” she explained.
World Cancer Research Fund CEO, Rachael Hutson, commented:
“We are incredibly inspired by Kemi and her determination to not only improve her own health and wellbeing, but to fund life-changing research that will help people live free from the devastating effects of cancer. Our work would not be possible without the help of generous people like her, and we cannot wait to cheer her on.”
As she prepares for the 26.2-mile route, Kemi says the thought of seeing her two young daughters at the finish line, visualising them both beckoning her forth and cheering her on, is what gives her the mental strength to carry on.
“Near the end of my runs, when I’m tired and everything hurts, I picture my girls and their dad waiting for me at the end of the road. In my mind, I can hear them shouting ‘come on mummy.’ I know they’ll be there at the marathon waiting for me, and it’s the joy of having new life in my daughters that has been pivotal in navigating the end of life for my parents. If I can help give people more time with their loved ones, through the insight and tools they need to engage in the very best health and fitness their bodies can give them, then it’s a challenge worth doing.”
You can show Kemi your support by donating or sharing her story at the link below:
