It’s been 17 years since I last trudged the 26.2 miles that make up the
iconic London Marathon. In that time, I have completed a number of half
marathons and have dabbled with ultra running in the form of Hadrian’s Wall,
but it felt right to revisit the marathon when the time and cause were right.
That time is now, and the cause is most definitely a worthy one.

In July 2018, Hollie Beattie and her family’s world was turned upside
down when Hollie, then 5, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare but
incredibly aggressive form of childhood cancer. In the subsequent two years,
Hollie underwent intensive, gruelling and relentless treatment to try to get
her disease free. She had to endure chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
therapy, surgeries and two stem cell transplants in an attempt to cure her.
Finally, in July 2020, following an operation to remove some residual disease
in her tibia, Hollie was cancer free.

At her follow up check in September 2020, however, the Beatties
received the devastating news that Hollie’s cancer had returned, this time as a
tumour in her brain. Hollie had the tumour removed by surgery within a week,
with subsequent follow up treatment. At this stage, Hollie’s treatment options
in New Zealand had been exhausted. The only next step available was a trial in
Barcelona, giving Hollie a shot at a cure. The costs associated with the trial
were overwhelming at around £200,000.

With the help of an impassioned fundraising effort from friends and family,
Hollie found herself on her way to Barcelona in January 2021. Never had the
slogan ‘Hope for Hollie’ meant so much to all that held her in their hearts. Hollie
received the first treatment without complications, and all seemed to be going
well. However, following some suspicious symptoms, Hollie was scanned and, the
family’s worst fears were realised. The cancer had reappeared in Hollie’s bone
marrow.

Hollie had to stop the trial immediately, and the medical team hastily
set about planning a new treatment plan. Hollie’s unwavering commitment to keep
fighting meant she began chemo again straight away to try to stabilise the
disease. Thankfully this was the case, and Hollie was able to receive the
latest immunotherapy treatment for bone marrow relapse in neuroblastoma, which was
available to her in Barcelona. This came with another hefty price tag and the
fundraising team immediately sprung into action again.

Despite several cycles of immunotherapy, the doctors were unable to
eliminate the cancer from Hollie’s bone marrow, and the family had to take the heartbreaking
decision to return home to New Zealand. At home Hollie continued treatment, but
in May 2022, she took her last, peaceful breaths with her Mum and Dad by her
side.

Throughout her ordeal, Hollie remained positive, determined and
resilient beyond her years. Despite all the medical interventions, losing her
hair several times, being unable to attend school, and being separated from her
brother and father whilst she was in Barcelona, Hollie’s smile eclipsed all the
pain and suffering she felt on the inside. She touched all who learned of her
story, and inspired so many who didn’t even know her.

It is for Hollie that I am running this year’s London Marathon, to
honour and celebrate her memory and legacy. The money I raise will go directly
to Neuroblastoma UK, who work tirelessly to support those affected by this
cruel and indiscriminate disease, as well as conducting vital medical research into
treatments, and ultimately, a possible cure.