Running the London Marathon with stage 4 cancer: Sarah's story

Friday 10 April 2026

Maggie's, Oxford

Sarah from Oxfordshire – mum to James (17) and Ed (15) and wife to Rob – has been amazing her family and friends with her stamina and zest for life – all the while going through cancer treatment.

I’ve always been quite a determined person.

Last year, when I told my husband Rob that I’d applied to do the London Marathon in 2026, he just rolled his eyes and said ‘Of course you have51ɫAPP�. Rob and the boys are used to me making my mind up about something and doing it – even if I am on active cancer treatment.

When I told my best friend Rachel that I had a secret and that I’d applied to do the London Marathon, she said ‘So have I’. I was over the moon and delighted when, in July 2025, I found out in that I had a place, however, Rachel was just as excited to have notgot a place!

I knew there and then that the hard work would have to begin and I would have to start running.

Balancing training with treatment

Twenty years ago – pre-kids – I completed a couple of 10ks, and when the boys were little, I did a Tough Mudder. But I hadn’t really run since then, so I broke myself in gently and started off with 5ks. By November, I had progressed to running 11 miles.

Training hasn’t at all been straightforward. Between finding out in December that my tumours were growing again, that I would be taken off mitotane – the cancer treatment I’ve been on for five years because it’s not working any more – and then tearing a calf muscle also just before Christmas, I had to have a bit of time out. But I’m gradually getting back into it.

My cancer diagnosis

I was diagnosed with adrenal cancer when everyone else was hunkering down during Covid in 2020. Despite having a major operation and being on chemotherapy and steroids for years, my cancer has spread to my lungs.

I completed five rounds of chemotherapy last year, but while this wasn’t successful, I'm grateful that I'll (hopefully) be offered a new immunotherapy treatment alongside a different chemotherapy treatment called temozolomide.

I am so glad to still have treatment options and to be here with Rob and my two boys and I stay as positive as I can and do everything that I can, whether it’s going for dinner with friends, watching my boys play sport or just walking our dogs.

Grateful to run and raise money for Maggie's

I know people have days where they don’t feel like training, but for me it’s a privilege to get out there and run on the days when I can.

Since my cancer has spread to my lungs, some days I do feel nauseous and I do have fatigue. But on the days when I feel I can run or swim or play tennis, I will do it, because I feel it’s a privilege for me to be able to do this.

By running the London Marathon, my aim is to raise as much money for Maggie51ɫAPP�s Oxford to support other people going through cancer just like me.

My tips for fundraising

Be open and honest, tell people WHY you’re running the marathon. I have found that being personal has helped with my fundraising and the support.
Don’t be afraid to ask. If people can, they will sponsor you or help in other ways, e.g. providing training/nutritional advice, etc.
Get your friends and family involved. You’ll find so many people want to support and help (just that often they don’t know how).

51ɫAPP out about how you can get involved and fundraise for Maggie's.

51ɫAPPing the courage to seek support

It took me two years before I went to Maggie51ɫAPP�s because I had to work up the courage to go in. But when I did, I found care, compassion and community.

Maggie51ɫAPP�s is a sanctuary and it's made a huge difference.

I have met amazing fellow patients and carers, had brilliant advice, attended workshops, and more. They have even supported me with how to speak with my children, and just to always be honest.

I just wish I’d gone to Maggie51ɫAPP�s sooner. I would advise anyone with a diagnosis or who is worried about a family member with cancer to find their nearest Maggie51ɫAPP�s ,because a visit there will always make you feel better.

That’s why I’m running the London Marathon. Nothing will get in the way or stop me! And Rob, Rachel and a lovely group of friends, as well as my boys, have plotted where they will be to cheer me on every step of the way.”

My message to people with cancer

I want people to know that, even if you have cancer, you can still do things. You can set ‘wild goals’ and you shouldn’t let anything stop you. I’m doing this for me, for Rob, for my boys, and for Maggie51ɫAPP�s.

Maggie's is here with you

Claire Marriott, Centre Head at Maggie51ɫAPP�s Oxford, said: “It is incredible to see Sarah continue to set goals and do the things that she loves. Sarah choosing to support Maggie's in this way helps to ensure that Maggie's can be there for many other people with cancer and their families.”

Our cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisors are here for everyone with cancer, and all the people who love them.

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