The race will mark the halfway point in Val Aguilar’s effort to complete the original World Marathon Majors – a challenge in memory of her best friend who lost her life to brain cancer at just 18 years old.
The TCS London Marathon marks the third of Val’s six races, placing her midway through the series which also includes Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
In London, Val will be running for World Cancer Research Fund – a charity that examines how diet, nutrition, weight and physical activity affect risk of developing and surviving cancer
Val met Mary Katherine in the first year of high school where they formed a friendship that would last a lifetime.
“With her, everything felt like an adventure. Even the simplest or the silliest of things felt like the coolest thing to be doing,” Val shared.
Just four years later, in March 2009, Mary Katherine was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. Despite doctors’ best efforts to save her life, she survived just 14 months after her diagnosis.
“Having such a special meaning behind my miles after losing a best friend to cancer makes each run a little bit easier, and each race experience a little bit sweeter,” Val explained.
Through years of training, international travel and physical challenges, Val is fundraising to support organisations committed to understanding, preventing, and treating cancer.
“When I’m racing, I think about who Mary Katherine would be now almost half our lives later. It makes me feel close to someone who I can no longer grow closer to,” she shared.
Val’s London Marathon bid for World Cancer Research Fund highlights the importance of evidence-based prevention strategies and global collaboration to reduce cancer risk.
World Cancer Research Fund’s UK Director, Steve Greenberg, commented:
“We are incredibly grateful to Val for her determination and dedication to supporting cancer research. Her efforts not only raise vital funds but also inspire others to take action in the fight against cancer. By completing the world’s most iconic marathons, Val has transformed her grief into action, proving that one person’s determination can help drive change.
Val hopes her story will encourage others to fundraise for cancer research, live healthier lives, and spark vital conversations about the importance of prevention.
You can show Val your support by donating or sharing her story below:
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Nicole Latini is running the TCS London Marathon this April after training in her native US – raising vital awareness and funds for World Cancer Research Fund on both sides of the Atlantic.
Her London Marathon bid began in 2022 after her dad, Alan Latini, died following a three-year battle with bowel cancer.
Following her dad’s diagnosis, Nicole became committed to transforming her health by losing over five stone (70lbs), running three half marathons, and ‘completely changing’ her diet and lifestyle to help reduce her own cancer risk.
Despite endless rounds of treatment including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and clinical trials, Nicole’s dad faced his cancer with what she described as “gratitude and grace” before sadly passing away on 4 February 2022.
“Anyone who knew my father knew him as charismatic, witty, caring, loving, and someone who would do anything for his family. I miss my dad more with every passing day. Every milestone, holiday, and birthday is a reminder that he’s not here with us and should be.” Nicole added.
Nicole began running one week after her father’s death to cope with her grief, and soon set her sights on the 26.2-mile route to stop other families facing the same heartbreak.
“Running quickly became an instrumental part in coping, even though I was awful at it. Over time, I made it my goal to use my running through grief to give hope to others in honour of my dad,” she shared.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Nicole commented:
“Everyday, we have a choice to show up for our family, community and society. My dad showed up every single day for all of us. I’m choosing to train and show up everyday, even when I don’t want to, for him, for all those facing cancer, and for everyone experiencing grief.”
Running the London Marathon holds a special meaning for Nicole. She studied to become a vet in the city, often returning to the US for the holidays and staying close to her dad through regular video calls. He was determined to see her graduate, but heartbreakingly never made it to London.
World Cancer Research Fund’s UK Director, Steve Greenberg, added:
“We are in awe of Nicole’s commitment to improving outcomes for others in her father’s memory. Channelling her grief in a way that will offer hope to future generations is so selfless, and every step Nicole takes this April will make our vital work possible. We cannot wait to cheer her on and congratulate her at the finish line.”
You can show Nicole your support by donating or sharing her story at the link below:
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Scott Molumby will run three marathons over three months in memory of his best friend, Dan Logan-Thomas, who sadly died in December 2025 after living with cancer for eight months.
Scott’s challenge began with double ultra marathon along the Tarka Trail in his home of North Devon – which starts in Ilfracombe and finishes in Dartmoor National Park on 28 February 2026.
Just four weeks later, on 28 March, Scott will run an ultra marathon across the snowcapped mountains of Snowdonia in his Native Wales. The route will begin on the north coast at Conwy and will see him head up and down sixteen of the highest mountains in the range – all of which are over 3,000 feet high.
Finally, Scott’s challenge will conclude with the iconic 26.2-mile TCS London Marathon on 26th April, marking 58 relentless days for World Cancer Research Fund in Dan’s memory.
After meeting at Swansea University, Scott and Dan struck up a close friendship which spanned multiple continents – with the pair living together in Wales, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Dan was such a happy-go-lucky guy.” Scott said. “He made his own luck because he was so positive, right until the very end.”
Over the last five years, Dan lived with multiple brain tumours which were non-cancerous (benign), undergoing multiple surgeries and radiotherapy while continuing to live a full and adventurous life. However, after losing feeling down his left side in April 2025, scans showed a new, large tumour.
Following major surgery, Dan received the devastating news it was cancerous, and began intensive chemotherapy which he faced with the same quiet courage that defined him:
“Dan wasn’t afraid of dying, he was more upset about how it would affect everyone else. That’s just the kind of person he was,” Scott shared.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, which was once part of the plans they made together, Scott added:
“Dan helped me decide on the runs, and I always assumed he would join me at the finish line to celebrate. Now, I’m determined to complete this challenge in his memory and give it my all. It gives me an opportunity to remember a great friend in my own way with a lot of hard work, determination, and dedication.”
World Cancer Research Fund’s UK Director, Steve Greenberg, commented:
Taking on three marathons in three months shows Scott’s extraordinary strength and courage, and running in memory of his best friend is a reminder of the love and loyalty that shapes the best of us. His determination is raising funds to fuel our research that helps saves lives, continuing Dan’s proud legacy. We are deeply moved and profoundly grateful for Scott’s commitment to cancer prevention research.
For Scott, this challenge is about honouring the way Dan lived. He hopes that Dan’s story will inspire others to grab life with both hands.
“Don’t hang around if there’s something you want to do or something you need to say,” Scott said. Do it while you can, while you have the chance.”
You can show your Scott your support by donating or sharing his story below:
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Best known for his viral comedy sketches and no-nonsense ‘Mum’ character, Richard is encouraging his fans to swap laughter for legwork in support of breast cancer research.
The social media star is supporting the challenge in memory of his mum, who sadly lost her life to cancer in 2014. Richard said:
Comedy is about bringing people together, and this challenge is no different. Cancer affects so many of us, either personally or through someone we love. I’m supporting this campaign for everyone whose lives have been impacted by this devastating disease.
Through his involvement, Richard hopes to inspire his followers and beyond to embrace healthier lifestyles that reduce cancer risk, while also fundraising for life-changing research.
In February, Richard will release a video featuring his ‘Mum’ character – showing support for the charity and encouraging fans and fellow creators to donate, share, and get involved with World Cancer Research Fund.
Reflecting on his much-loved character, Richard shared:
My mum was quite a character herself! She’s the inspiration behind ‘Mum’, and I’m proud to honour her memory in this way.
Funds raised from the challenge will be used to support the CANDO project – a five-year research programme at the University of Southampton exploring how body composition affects breast cancer treatment outcomes and side effects.
Ultimately, this research hopes to find kinder, more effective treatments for breast cancer patients.
Rachael Hutson, CEO at World Cancer Research Fund, commented:
On social media, he’s the ‘mum’ you should listen to and laugh along with! So, who better to raise awareness of cancer prevention and the importance of research in this area? We’re incredibly pleased that Richard is supporting this challenge. Around four in ten cancers are preventable, and with the help of Richard and everyone who donates, we’re taking important steps to reduce that risk.
You can follow Richard on TikTok at @richardfrankscomedy, and find out how to get involved with the challenge below:
More about Richard
Richard Franks is a comedian and writer who rose to prominence on TikTok and Instagram through short-form comedy videos, building an online community of over 1.3 million followers.
He is best known for his popular “Mum” sketches, portraying a sharp-witted, no-nonsense mother navigating everyday life.
Originally from High Wycombe and raised in Folkestone, Richard Franks began honing his comedy craft in 2011, before expanding his reach to social media in August 2020 with the launch of his channel @richardfrankscomedy.
Find out more about Richard: His work | Follow him on Instagram
John Steventon is our very own supporter superhero. He completed a HYROX in December dressed as comic book character Wolverine, alongside a friend who dressed as Deadpool – and he isn’t stopping there.
HYROX is an indoor fitness race enhanced by workout stations along the route, so competitors run 1km, then do a workout – 8 times! The workouts include rowing, pulling and pushing a sled, and lunges while carrying a sandbag, making it an exhausting but fun challenge.
John said: “Everything I’ve done in life, I’ve wanted to share with others. As a DJ, I taught aspiring musicians and even wrote DJing for Dummies. In my TV career, I mentor new editors. When I was racing in indoor rowing, I launched the RowAlong YouTube channel to help home rowers stay motivated. So, when I started competing in HYROX, I wondered how I could use this platform to make a difference. “
“I knew I’d never be a podium finisher, but after my skin cancer diagnosis, I found a purpose: racing as Wolverine to raise money for World Cancer Research Fund. The response from the HYROX community has been incredible – not just in donations, but in the conversations I’ve had. Nearly everyone I meet has been touched by cancer in some way, whether personally or through friends and family.”
‘I thought I was invincible’
“Even though the doctor said, “Don’t worry”, when I heard the words “That’s skin cancer” the last hope that I was indestructible fizzled away. I’d always thought I was invincible – after all, I like to dress up as Wolverine – but skin cancer reminded me that none of us are.”
John’s diagnosis helped him become more aware of the importance of cancer prevention. “I remember being 7 years old, resisting my Mum’s attempts to put sun cream on me. I often opted for the lowest SPF possible, thinking sunburn was just a fast track to a tan. Coming from Scotland, where sunshine is a rarity, I’ve always craved the sun’s warmth. But now, I never go without factor 30 or 50. If only I had learned that lesson earlier.
“The guidance from the World Cancer Research Fund has been invaluable in helping me understand the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle choices in cancer prevention and overall health. Exercise alone isn’t enough – we need to fuel ourselves properly and protect ourselves from preventable risks like excessive sun exposure.”
John continues to take on HYROX challenges to raise money for us. He’s completed 3, including one in Frankfurt, and is running The Grid competition again in September, as well as more HYROX events this year. So far, he’s raised nearly £2,000 towards cancer prevention – thank you, John!
