WE’RE RUNNING LONDON MARATHON!!!,

Myself and Cerys are over the moon to be running the London Marathon 2026 for both the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (EMCT) and Mind Over Cancer (MOC) — two charities very close to our hearts.

I was first supported by the Trust 12 years ago when I was 13, initially as a young person after undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for 2½ years. About six years ago, I returned to the Trust as a volunteer, which for me has been a lifeline — providing continued support even after turning 18. That’s also how I was introduced to MOC at 21, which is rare to come across when you've had childhood cancer.

EMCT offers support by taking young people aged 8–25 out sailing once their treatment has finished, creating a space where they can meet others who’ve had similar experiences. This is something that’s hard to find in the “real world” after treatment ends. Because the truth is, while treatment may end, the physical and mental impact of cancer doesn’t — and that’s where MOC comes in.

MOC provides free counselling to anyone (and their support network) who received a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 0–29. To say they are magic would be an understatement. Even better, they’re now partnered with EMCT — creating a direct link to mental health support for young people at the Trust. They also run support groups year-round, offering another safe space outside of EMCT to just feel “normal” and understood.

I still remember my first trip with EMCT. I was so nervous I only said about five words — I was petrified to be away from my parents and anxious about how I’d manage with my mobility and medical needs. I worried how I’d ever fit in. But all those fears quickly disappeared. And as many of you know, I definitely say more than five words now 😂.

That trip turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done — not just as a child, but for the continued support I’ve received, including being introduced to MOC at a time I didn’t realise how much I needed it. To say I was stubborn and a bit of a wreck when I started speaking with Susie (Founder of MOC and the most joyful lady in the world) would be an understatement. But without her — and MOC — many of us wouldn’t be who we are today.

Over the years, Susie and the MOC team along with EMCT have created an incredible safe space for us to share our feelings, fears, memories, and concerns about our treatment and the future — all with zero judgment and so much love and care. Both charities, though filled with young people who’ve had cancer, it’s the only place in the world it doesn’t exist.

They’ve created a space where myself — and so many others — don’t feel like cancer is a stigma. They’ve brought so much life back into us. Neither has ever made me feel like I stick out — whether I’m walking one day and in a wheelchair the next, or dealing with PTSD. Because of that, I can never thank them enough. Nor can my best friend Cerys, who has seen first-hand the difference these two charities have made in my life.

So, in our wonderfully chaotic way of giving back — and definitely not doing things by halves — we’ll be running the iconic London Marathon on the 26th of April.

Because if I was told I might not walk again, and now I can...
Why not run?