Team BHN

The three of us are so proud (and a little bit terrified) to be taking part in the London Marathon in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. Together, we’re lacing up to raise vital funds for an incredible charity that provides life-changing care and support to people affected by cancer. Every step we take will help Macmillan continue its amazing work—we’d love your support as we take on this huge challenge!

Sadly, almost everyone is touched by cancer in some way. Whether that be through fighting this awful disease or having loved one’s – be that friends, family, colleagues or neighbours - that have been diagnosed with it. Everyone’s experience is unique to them and we are no different. Here are our stories…

Emma’s Story

I am running the London Marathon in memory of my husband, Paul, who I lost to bowel cancer on 25th November 2024.

I am still fairly new to running. I started shortly after Paul died and quickly discovered that it gave me a sense of calm and purpose, and a way to process and release my emotions. I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking when I signed up for the London Marathon! The training is no joke — running between 20 and 30 miles every week right up until 26th April is incredibly tough. But, nothing will ever be as tough as what we went through in 2024, and that’s what keeps me going.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Macmillan, and to all the other charities who supported us whenever we needed it — for me, for Paul, and for our family. They stood by us through the most heartbreaking time of our lives and asked for nothing in return.

You may not have needed the support of these charities before, and you may not need it right now, but it is almost certain that one day you or someone you love will. Please help keep these incredible charities going by making a donation, however big or small. Thank you! ❤️

Michael’s Story

I’m running the London Marathon in support of Macmillan Cancer Support to help raise vital funds for the incredible work they do. In 2024, I joined the BHN team for the Thames Path Ultra Challenge—a 50km walk where we raised over £15,000. That amount alone can fund a Macmillan nurse for three months, and the experience has inspired me to take on an even bigger challenge and continue raising money for this amazing charity.

Cancer has affected my family deeply in recent years. My Grandad was diagnosed in late 2024, but sadly it was too late for treatment and he passed away shortly after. My dad was also diagnosed with prostate cancer, but thankfully it was detected early, and he is now recovering well and being monitored every six months with ongoing support.

Taking on the London Marathon is both a physical and personal challenge. I’m embracing every part of it—training through dark winter mornings on very little sleep while juggling night feeds with my newborn son, Theo.

Thank you so much for your support. Bring on the marathon!

Anna’s Story

When I applied for the marathon, I wanted to run it in memory of our beloved colleague, Jen Chambers, who sadly lost her fight against bowel cancer in January 2024. However, two weeks after I was given my place in the marathon, I received some very different, life changing news. In August 2025, my wonderful mum was diagnosed with stage 4, secondary cancer of the liver. There is no cure. Mum is undergoing treatment to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible, so that we can get as much time left together as we can. Out of nowhere, cancer had suddenly gut punched my family in the most brutal way. So, I am running this marathon for my lovely mum, in anticipation of the support we will undoubtedly need from Macmillan in the future.

I am not a runner. I am starting my running career with a marathon, a classic couch to 26 miles! Whilst the training is intense and the commitment large, I am determined to achieve this, no matter how long it takes me, to raise money for this wonderful charity and to do it for my mum. Please give generously as you never know when it might be you that needs Macmillan’s support.

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