I'm running my 12th marathon for my sister and everyone affected by cancer

“When I first got the news about my sister Claire’s cancer in 2011 I was living in Budapest. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, which over time spread to her lymph nodes and spine.” 

Over the next few years Claire’s condition worsened, and in 2015 I moved back to the UK with my family to be close to her and my mum.  

My brother Robert had been killed in a road accident the year before, so it was a particularly tough time for my family – seeing Claire struggle with the cancer and seeing how distraught she was about Robert.  

“Claire passed away in 2016 and losing her was devastating. I had a tough time making sense of any of it. I knew I had to turn things around and get back into my running.” 

Claire told me to keep up the fundraising and that has stuck with me. Seeing what she went through made it very clear that I want to help in any way I can. I wouldn’t wish that on any person or any family. 

Supporting a fantastic charity like Worldwide Cancer Research, and the important and life-changing research they fund across the world, feels like a good way to honour her memory. 

“Every pound that comes in gives me that boost to keep the training up on a cold dark morning or at the end of a tiring day.” 

I ran my first marathon in 2006, in London. A dear friend from my days at drama school had died from a rare form of cancer. Another very close friend, Jon, secured two places for the London Marathon through Worldwide Cancer Research and I’ve run all my marathons for the charity since then. 

For me, running is a great motivator. A particularly good run can make you feel like anything is possible. Things that were never even thinkable suddenly come within your grasp.  

“I don’t know what shape I’ll be in by October, but if I can make even a small contribution to helping others affected by cancer, I’ll run all day.”