I am proud to be running the London Marathon 2026 in aid of Bowel Research UK, a charity dedicated to funding life-changing research into bowel cancer and bowel disease. More than 500,000 people in the UK live with chronic, often debilitating conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, while bowel cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, claiming over 16,800 lives each year. Despite this, research into these conditions remains significantly underfunded, and there is an urgent need for better treatments, earlier diagnosis, and ultimately, a cure.

This cause is deeply personal to me. In 2018, my grandad was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. He underwent major surgery to remove part of his colon and faced a 50/50 chance of survival. While I am beyond grateful that he is still with us today, he now lives permanently with a colostomy bag—a daily reminder of the life-altering impact of this disease. More recently, my nana was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and is currently undergoing intensive treatment to manage the painful and exhausting symptoms she faces.

Also working as an emergency nurse, I see first-hand the challenges people face living with bowel conditions. These are not just medical issues—they affect dignity, quality of life, and emotional well-being. I believe it’s time to break the stigma. Bowel disease should not be a taboo subject, nor something people feel ashamed to talk about.

By running this marathon, I hope to raise both awareness and vital funds to support pioneering research. Every donation, no matter how small, will help bring us closer to a future where no one has to suffer in silence—and where more lives can be saved; lives like my beloved grandparents, who have so much life left to live.

Thank you!