Running for Lena, and for every life affected by NF1 – one step closer to a cure 💙

For Lena, for families, for hope – NF1 is unpredictable and life-changing. I’m running the marathon to raise awareness and funds for Nerve Tumours UK (nervetumours.org.uk/), a charity supporting people with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). They provide vital support for families, fund research, and work tirelessly to improve lives and, one day, find a cure.

NF1 affects around 26,000 people in the UK. It can be inherited or caused by a random mutation – Lena, a close family friend’s daughter, was just 11 when she was diagnosed.

Since her diagnosis, Lena has already faced three major operations, the most recent and most challenging just before her 16th birthday, to remove a brain tumour feared to be cancerous. Thankfully it was benign, but NF1 brings ongoing uncertainty: people with NF1 live with a significantly increased lifetime risk of developing cancer and tumours that can appear anywhere along the nerves.

Despite all this, Lena continues to live life as a normal teenager – showing remarkable courage every step of the way. Families like hers need more awareness, more research, and more hope for treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

My strength to even contemplate running my first marathon comes from the support, friendships, and encouragement I receive from @Keep It Movin - KIM. Thank you Dr Epic! – the most electrifying running entertainer….. you have made me believe that this is possible and created the most inclusive, encouraging, supportive and fun running family ever. We celebrate our wins together. Together we will train and together we will run the London Marathon 2026!

I am proud to represent Nerve Tumours UK and this cause, which is so close to my heart and Lena’s family’s heart.

💙 Every donation will help fund vital research and support families living with NF1. Please support and share Lena’s story – together, we can make a real difference.

Thank you,

Louise