Meet our London Marathon runners

I think cancer these days is personal for most people, especially with the current 1 in 2 stat the likelihood of getting cancer yourself or someone in your family is extremely high. My family is no exception. I have experienced family loss to cancer and my father and sister are both currently in remission for different cancers. I think if I am going to raise money for any charity, choosing Wessex Cancer Isle of Wight is an easy choice, with the hope that if I were to ever get cancer as well, I will be able to get some support through it right here on the Isle of Wight.

Running a marathon is not something I ever thought I would ever get round to doing, especially not the London Marathon, so being able to do that and raise some money for Wessex Cancer in the process is a win-win for me.

I have been on a weight loss journey the past 15 months or so and having lost over 40kg / 6 stone / 88 lbs (I never know which one people use the most lol) my personal journey now turns to long term health and fitness, and although quite daunting, I suppose no better way to kickstart that journey than by running a marathon!

I am very fortunate to have the support of WightFibre behind me, and a big thanks to John Irvine, our CEO, for supporting the challenge to try and raise £25 000 for Wessex Cancer celebrating our 25 Years of Connections on the Isle of Wight. Let’s give it a go…together! Every little helps and it will mean the world to me whatever amount you donate! All we need is 25 000 people to each donate £1!!!

Thank You! Deon

#deonredvan

My Dad passed away from lung cancer in 2023, so this is a very personal cause for me. It felt right to get my running shoes back on and commit to giving something back in his honour.

I am running as part of a 9-person “Team Wessex!” at the London Marathon. The work that charities like Wessex Cancer Support perform is truly wonderful and makes such a difference to so many individuals and families. Your support is a critical part of how Wessex can continue making that difference in the future.

The team has committed to a gruelling training schedule and a mammoth fundraising campaign. Every mile I run and every pound I raise will be in memory of my Dad.

Thank you so much in advance for donating whatever you can. It will make a massive difference and is greatly appreciated.

Like so many families, cancer hit ours hard. In 2013 my dad was diagnosed with ocular melanoma during a routine eye test, and our world turned upside down in an instant. Up to that point Dad felt indestructible — the solid, capable, reliable constant you called when you’d messed up a bit of DIY, needed a tree stump removed, or wanted to borrow tools as a warm‑up to messing up the DIY again.

He had only been retired a few years, and it felt desperately unfair that someone who had worked so hard all his life was suddenly facing something so serious. After the initial shock, reality set in. Dad was an absolute trooper with an incredible thirst for life. Every treatment trial offered, he took –  some with awful side effects, some that managed to hold things at bay for a while.

He still had a good life after his diagnosis, but by mid‑2018 it was clear the cancer was spreading. He went through more treatments and surgeries to tackle new tumours, but in the end he passed away in February 2019, after some difficult months toward the end.

We didn’t know about services like Wessex Cancer Support at the time. We got through it as a family, but looking back, had we known the Chandlers Ford centre was there, we might have popped in for a cuppa, had a chat, and leaned on the support they offer.

I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for years. After repeated ballot rejections, I finally took the plunge and applied for a place with the WCS team – and what a team it is. Supportive, encouraging, and full of people lifting each other up. When I line up with 56,000 other runners on April 26th, proudly wearing WCS colours, I’ll be nervous, but mostly I’ll be excited. And when I’m running, walking, or hobbling down the Mall after 26.2 miles, I’ll have the biggest smile on my face – knowing I’ve raised money for a brilliant charity, and feeling forever grateful to them for helping make a personal dream come true.

Mark

Chloe – As a charity Wessex Cancer Support do so much for people on the Isle of Wight and living in a smaller community, everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and needed the support that Wessex provide, which makes the charity so special.

Sophie – Seeing how much Wessex Cancer Support does to support the community is truly inspiring, and I am proud to be part of a team that can continue making a difference for those who need it most. Cancer has touched the lives of many of my loved ones, and running this marathon is my way of honoring their memory. I am committed to raising as much money as possible to support this vital cause, and I look forward to taking on this challenge with dedication and heart!

I am passionate for the support that is needed for those facing cancer. This is something that is close to my heart as both my Mum and Nan fought and luckily defeated the horrible disease. They were also lucky to have a great support network of family and friends. I recognise that not everyone is as lucky so the vital work that this charity does is a crucial lifeline in the battle with cancer.

One thing I always remember during my mum’s treatment – which was happening while I was in my 2nd year at university in Canterbury. My mum was living in Brighton at the time and her partner did not drive. So I would drive from Canterbury all the way to Brighton then to the hospital for 6+ hours during chemotherapy. I would then drive her back home in Brighton and then myself all the way back to Canterbury to avoid missing too many lectures.

I would love to raise as much as I can to allow this amazing work to continue. I have always loved watching the London marathon and something I have longed to complete. I know it will be a huge challenge with all the training during the lead up and I’m sure it will be an unforgettable day!

Cancer affects a lot of people, and not just those who are physically going through a cancer diagnosis, it also affects their friends and family.  Charities such as Wessex cancer Support provide so much for patients and families when trying to navigate an incredibly difficult time that doesn’t always have a happy ending. Whilst it is important to support the medical advances in this field, we would all love to see Cancer being eradicated from our world, what about the people who are currently going through it or have already passed and left behind loved ones?  

My cousin Kate died in 2018 from breast cancer at the age of 45. After 5 years of bravely fighting she sadly passed away, leaving behind her children, her husband and family and friends that loved her dearly. Charities such a Wessex Cancer Support are vital in providing emotional support everyone affected by cancer and without this support, an already difficult time, can be so much harder. 

Running a marathon is nothing compared to what people go through who have cancer. I would love to have the opportunity to contribute £3000 to a charity which does such important work, supporting everybody affected by this disease. 

In 2009, when I was just 4 years old, my mum passed away from breast cancer. Growing up without her has shaped who I am today, and it’s a reminder every single day of how devastating cancer can be, not just for the person going through it, but for their whole family.

That’s why I’ve chosen to run the London Marathon in support of Wessex Cancer Support.

They provide vital care, guidance, and comfort to people and families facing the same challenges mine went through. Whether it’s emotional support, a listening ear, or simply being there for those who feel alone, their work truly changes lives.

Running a marathon is no small challenge, but it’s nothing compared to the battles that families face every day because of cancer. I’m doing this to honour my mum, to support those still fighting, and to help ensure that more families can get the support they desperately need.

Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.

Thank you so much for supporting me and Wessex Cancer Support. Together, we can help more families find hope in the darkest of times.

“One of the best events I could ever wish to attend and compete in and I’m blessed that this is my 3rd time (and wont be the last)

Charities need us. They need our support. Time. Money

Times are tough for everyone, add cancer to that and its really not good.

So, please spare what you can, give me more reasons to do this, give me more accountability and help me achieve this.”

Paul