In January 2024, one of my closest friends, Margo, faced every parent’s worst nightmare. Her little girl, Heather, at just four years old, was diagnosed with a tumour in her neck, a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma, which affects only around 60 children in the UK each year.

Their lives were completely turned upside down. Months of hospital stays, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy became their new reality, with Heather’s weakened immune system making every day a challenge.

As parents, Margo and Philip have shown extraordinary love and dedication, never missing a single treatment or hospital stay, providing constant care and comfort to Heather while also supporting her identical twin sister, Melody, and younger brother, Lennox, at home.

Through it all, Heather has been amazing; brave, resilient, and full of spirit. No child should ever have to face this, and yet she has done so with incredible courage. She is an absolute superstar!

In November, they received the news they had been hoping for: the tumour was gone. Although they still have a long journey ahead, with maintenance chemotherapy and regular reviews over the next five years.

I am running the London Marathon on 26 April to show my support for families like theirs and to raise funds for CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association.

CCLG works tirelessly to create a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. They fund pioneering research, provide trusted information and guidance to families, and bring together professionals to improve treatment, care, and outcomes. Their work makes a real difference to children facing cancer and the families who love them.

Running 26.2 miles is nothing compared to what Heather has had to endure. Every donation I raise will help CCLG continue their vital work, providing care, hope, and a brighter future when it’s needed most.

Thank you for supporting me and helping make a difference to children and families facing cancer. Every pound counts.