Meet our 2026 London Marathon runners!
Andy Kitchin Hi, my name is Andy. I am excited to be running London Marathon this year for CHECT. I won a ballot place for London 2025, and just ran the marathon to challenge myself. Afterwards, I sat and reflected on how great it was, but also felt a little selfish. I felt like I could’ve done more to help in some way. My wife Laura is a Contact Lens Optician, and she was the one who recommended CHECT to me. After visiting their website and researching the amazing work they do to help children and their families, I knew this was the charity I would like to run for. I personally don’t know anyone that has been affected by retinoblastoma, but I’m hoping that by running this marathon, I can help raise more awareness to a new audience about the effects of retinoblastoma.
Craig Anstey Hi I’m Craig. Last year, I took part in the London Marathon as part of my “Miles for Nora” challenge. My baby cousin Nora was diagnosed with retinoblastoma just before her 1st birthday and so to help support her and CHECT, I challenged myself to run at least a minimum of 2 miles a day for 365 days or until her treatment is over (whichever was the latter). Raising over £12,000. I’m really fortunate to have a place in the London Marathon team once again and look forward to supporting CHECT. TBC
Darren Harris Hi, I’m Darren Harris a Paralympian, psychologist, and patron of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. I was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma when I was little. I’m running the London Marathon for my friend and former England blind football teammate Robin Williams.
Kai Kemp Hi, I’m Kai and I’m proud to be running the London Marathon in support of CHECT. In 2023, a close family friend’s baby was diagnosed with Rb and had to have an eye enucleated. I’ve seen firsthand the trauma and struggles families face, but I’ve also seen the amazing work CHECT does to help support these children and families, and that is why I’m raising money to support them.
Liam Heaton I’m Liam Heaton, I decided to fundraise for CHECT by running the London marathon purely down to the amazing work they do after finding out how much help they have been with my nephew Alfie who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma last year! Can’t thank the charity enough and wanted to help as much as possible with fundraising and raising awareness!
Ling Swaby Hi I’m Ling. My nephew Milo who’s four years old, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma last year. As you can imagine this news shocked the family and I wanted to find a way to give back. I took part in a half marathon last year for CHECT and now I’m taking part in the London Marathon to raise awareness amongst my followers and raise money for CHECT.
Luke Beckett Hi, I’m Luke. My partner Lottie was diagnosed with retinoblastoma when she was just two years old. She underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and CHECT provided her and her family with support, advice and friendship at a really difficult time and connected them with other families going through the same struggles. She is amazing and has continued to support CHECT over the years as a way to give back. Now it’s my turn and I’m so grateful they have chosen me to participate in the 2026 London Marathon on their behalf and raise money for an incredible charity! I caught the running bug in August 2024 and since then haven’t stopped! Over the past year I’ve completed many events including my first marathon in September 2025. I’ve also recently joined Leighton Buzzard Athletics Club to help with my training. Completing the London Marathon will be a huge achievement for me and to be able to do it for CHECT is amazing!
Nathan Young Hi I’m Nay. I was diagnosed with retinoblastoma from a young age and my family had always received support from CHECT. My first child Izzy, was also diagnosed with Rb. CHECT have been invaluable in helping us navigate the world of having a child with Rb and is something I will forever be grateful for. So taking part in the London Marathon is an opportunity to give a little something back.
Olivia & Scott Lyon We are Olivia and Scott, running this year’s London Marathon for CHECT in support of our two-year-old son Blair, who has retinoblastoma. Blair’s care and treatment is still ongoing, with our journey starting in December 2024. After eight months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove an eye last July, we know how difficult this diagnosis is; the upset, worry, fear and exhaustion. Yet we’ve met so many incredible people; families, NHS staff and representatives of CHECT, who have always been there for our family. Our campaign is about raising awareness and to try and showcase the inspirational courage and resilience of children like Blair, taking in their stride with confidence, happiness and joy, the darkest days of their lives. We are ecstatic to have already raised over £28,000 for CHECT (that’s a lot of Pip the Penguins)! This is the first time either of us have had the honour of running this legendary race where we can’t wait for the start (and finish!) line.
Priyanka Kotecha Hi, I’m Priyanka, the Fundraising Manager at CHECT. I’m running the London Marathon this year to support the team and help raise awareness and vital funds. Having seen firsthand the incredible impact CHECT has as a small charity, I’m really proud to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring team.
Tom Cummins Hi, I’m Tom. I’m running to raise money for CHECT for my cousin and his family who have been directly affected by childhood eye cancer, and seeing the strength, resilience, and courage they’ve shown throughout their journey has been truly inspiring.
Would you like to take on a challenge for CHECT? Visit our challenge events page, or get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraising@chect.org.uk