This year, an inspiring team of runners is taking on the iconic TCS London Marathon in support of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).
These dedicated individuals—whether seasoned marathoners or first-time challengers—are lacing up their running shoes to raise vital awareness and funds for children and families affected by retinoblastoma. Their journey is more than just 26.2 miles; it’s a testament to resilience, hope, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Join us in cheering them on as they take on this incredible challenge!
Carys Wham
Hi I’m Carys, I’m running the London Marathon this year for my little boy Wilfie who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in 2023 aged three. Nothing could have prepared me for Wilfie’s cancer diagnosis and hearing he had little to no vision in his left eye.
The bravery and resilience Wilfie has shown throughout his journey completely astounds me. He was back in school within weeks of the surgery and has adapted amazingly well, even asking if he can take his spare artificial eye into school to show his friends. His strength and courage have been a huge inspiration to me and that’s why I’ll be running the London Marathon 2025. This will be a massive challenge for me personally but it is nothing compared to what my little boy has been through.
Brad Morton
Hi, I am Bradley, a 42 year old Structural Engineer from Sidcup. I am running for CHECT on behalf of my daughter Jessy, who was diagnosed the retinoblastoma three weeks after her third birthday in January 2024. Jessy underwent eye removal surgery just a week after diagnosis, followed by 4 rounds of chemotherapy. Jessy’s journey did not end there. She has tested positive for the genetic version of Rb and requires regular scanning of her other eye for the foreseeable future.
As a parent of a child with cancer the feeling of helplessness is something i have struggled with at times. Thankfully we have the most amazing healthcare professionals in the UK who provided Jessy with the best care during her treatment. There are also a number of fantastic charities out there who have supported both Jessy and us parents, with CHECT being at the forefront of these.
I’m delighted CHECT have accepted me as one of their runners for the 2025 London Marathon. It’s an honour to wear the vest and be able to raise as much money as possible as small payback for the support they have given us as a family. As Jessy has the genetic version of Rb she has a 50/50 chance of passing her Rb gene onto her children, should she decide to have her own children when the time comes. Therefore, CHECT will be in all our lives for a long time to come yet, which only serves as a greater incentive for me to complete the 26.2m and raise as much funds as possible
Craig Anstey
Hi I’m Craig, and I am running the London Marathon this year as part of my commitment to run at least a minimum of 2 miles a day for 365 days for my niece Nora. The marathon will mark almost a year since I started the challenge and I will continue the challenge until Nora’s 2nd birthday or until she has completed her challenge (whichever is the later).
Will Dean
Hi I’m Will, I’m a Consultant Ophthalmologist in the NHS. I spent 4 years in a mission hospital in Malawi and saw many children with advanced cases of retinoblastoma. I’m running the London Marathon this year for CHECT to raise awareness of childhood blindness and retinoblastoma.
Helen Pells
Hi, I’m Helen. I’m running the London Marathon for CHECT as my son Oliver (now 10 years old) had bilateral retinoblastoma as a baby so I’ve seen first-hand the fabulous work that CHECT do, so I wanted to raise money to give back to the charity and also raise awareness. Oliver still has eye checks up every few months and its always lovely to catch up with the CHECT team. This will be my 4th London Marathon after running in 2009, 2010 and 2022 and I’m really excited to be back out on the course with the best supporters in the world!
India Ross
Hi I’m India and I’m 25 year’s old. This year, I’ll be running the London marathon to raise money for CHECT – a small charity that is very close to my family.
At 3 months old, my grandfather was looking through an album of photos that my parents had put together of my first 12 weeks of life. He noticed that in one photo, taken when I was about 8 weeks old, one eye showed a slightly whitish/green glow whilst the other had a “red eye”. At 16 weeks old, my mum was feeding me and noticed a white glare in my eye.
Two weeks later I was diagnosed with cancer. My family paused their lives and did everything to support me as I started a six-month course of chemotherapy. Simultaneously, CHECT with no questions asked, provided invaluable support and advice for my parents.
At 25, I’m now over 20 years in remission having graduated from University and working in London. I am so excited to have a place in the marathon next year and truly wouldn’t have run for anyone else!
Danilo Shabudin
Hi I’m Danilo, I’m 29 years old from Uxbridge.
After watching last year’s marathon, I decided to try and run the London Marathon 2025 to help bring some recognition to CHECT. Hugo, my nephew, was diagnosed a few year’s ago with retinoblastoma and so I’m supporting the charity that helped Sarah-Jane and Morgan with the hardest time of their lives.
Emma Knowles
Hi I’m Emma and I’m running the London Marathon this year for CHECT who have been there for Tala, Mark and Lindley, even in the darkest of times. Tala was just 6 weeks old when she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. This was a huge shock to everyone who knows Tala, let alone my friends Mark and Lindley (who are two of the bravest and strongest parents there are)!
She is now just over 2 years old and still fighting this horrible disease, but with a cheeky grin on her face. She is the bravest, chattiest, happiest little girl and anyone who didn’t know her wouldn’t know she is still fighting to this day!
Tala is an inspirational little girl, and I cannot wait to run the London Marathon 2025 for you Tala!
Tom Larkin
Hi, my name’s Tom Larkin from Stansted.
I am running the London marathon 2025 for CHECT.
CHECT has been of huge support to my best friends when their son Jacob was diagnosed with Rb at 12 weeks old. CHECT is an amazing charity and have made what was a really challenging time a bit easier for Jacob’s parents and it’s an honour to run London and raise money to aid the awareness of Rb in children.
Ilan Lumbroso
Hi I’m Ilan from France. I’m running for my son who was incredibly fortunate to encounter the right person at the right time. An ophthalmologist spotted what another had missed just 48 hours earlier. Thanks to this early diagnosis, he was able to receive prompt treatment.
For me, this marathon is more than just a race. It is another opportunity to shine a light on this rare disease and to raise funds for a cause that is deeply personal. I’m determined to help other families benefit from early diagnosis and proper support, and ensure no parent has to face this ordeal alone.
Natalie Burgess
Hi, I’m Natalie, I’m 44, I live in Essex and will be taking on my first ever marathon! Running is a passion of mine —it gives me freedom, challenge, and a sense of achievement. But this time, it’s about more than just the miles. I’m proud to be running the London Marathon in support of CHECT who have provided incredible support to Amber Branch and her family. I’m excited, nervous, but most of all, determined to make every step count for this incredible cause.
Will Newman
Hi I’m Will and I’m running the London Marathon for CHECT. I was introduced to the charity through my friend Dan Pitkin who ran the London Marathon last year for CHECT.
Gavin Brocker
My name is Gavin Brocker and I’m from London. Last year, my good friend Steve received heartbreaking news about his daughter, Holly. The strength that he, Nat, and Holly have shown throughout this challenging time has been nothing short of inspiring. I’m in awe of them. When I found out I had a place in the marathon, I reached out to Steve to ask how I could raise funds to support the people who have been there for his family. He shared his story with me in detail and that is why I am raising money for CHECT.