NHS nurse puts her best foot forward for cancer prevention

Alice Conroy completed the London Marathon for World Cancer Research Fund in April 2026 to help people live longer, happier and healthier lives.

The challenge was important to Alice after losing five family members to cancer including three grandparents, her uncle and her mum when Alice was just four years old.

“I have lots of memories of being in hospitals, being aware of cancer and knowing that my family was more at risk,” Alice shared.

Cancer also affected Alice’s sister, Amy Conroy, who went on to become a four-time wheelchair basketball Paralympian after surviving bone cancer as a teenager.

Driven by years of loss and resilience, Alice dedicated herself to a career in healthcare and is committed to supporting prevention research that could stop others facing the same heartbreak.

“These early, life-changing experiences shaped my understanding of cancer and the urgent need for better prevention and support,” Alice added.

A keen runner since 2017, Alice balanced her marathon training and long shifts on the ward with early-morning and late-night runs.

“Running is my release. With cancer, you know it is going to be a long road ahead. If my patients can go through everything that a cancer diagnosis involves, then this is nothing. I feel honoured to represent them,” Alice said.

World Cancer Research Fund CEO, Rachael Huston, added:

“We can’t thank Alice enough for going the extra mile for cancer prevention. Her courage, compassion and determination embody everything we stand for at World Cancer Research Fund. We are so grateful for her support, which is driving forward research that could save lives.”

Alice shares her journey as part of our Every Step Tells a Story campaign.

If, like Alice, you want to make a difference and support life-changing research, why not sign up to one of our exciting events and challenges.