They have an average age of 40 and from all walks of life. Amongst them is a teacher, financial planner, workforce development manager, physiotherapist and a seagull swooping in from Llandudno Junction!
From places in Preston to Prestatyn pier, and the parks of Pontypridd, they have clocked up thousands of miles on British roads between to give help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer.
Our 35 runners – 22 men and 13 women - taking part in the London Marathon this Sunday have so far raised a whopping £47,000 for Tenovus Cancer Care.
Two runners have cancer, others have had cancer, some are losing someone to cancer, the rest are running to help us support someone with cancer.
Together, they make up our London Marathon Team Tenovus 2023, and we salute you.
Here is a look at some of our inspirational runners this year as they head to the London cobbles to take their marks.
Eldest runner Kevin, 61, is one of our most devoted volunteers. A member of our Tenovus Cancer Care Sing with Us choir in Llandudno, Kev is used to putting in the miles on the road. This year, there’s been added motivation.
Signing up, Kev said:
“I have lost loved ones to cancer, but I have also learned of three friends who have recently had a cancer diagnosis. It’s so sad. One of those joined our choir, and absolutely loves it. The services provided by Tenovus, can make all the difference. That’s why I fundraise and do so much for the charity.”
This year’s youngest runner – Cameron, 29, from London – is running in memory of his dad.
“I lost my dad to bowel cancer in 2008, when I was teenager. Tenovus helped support us in his last few months. I ran the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2019, on behalf of Tenovus, and running the London Marathon is a step up."
Sarah, 37, from Pontypridd is full of gratitude for her dad’s cancer recovery and says support for families is vital.
“Over the last 5 years my father has been diagnosed with cancer twice. I know the great work your charity does to support families.”
And whilst there is always humour amongst our runners, there is also heartbreak.
Maria, 42, from Faversham, Kent, is running for her husband, who is in remission, and to remember loved ones that have passed away from cancer.
“Cancer has truly touched my life. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2017, and after chemotherapy and radiotherapy is in remission.
My great grandmother died in her early 30s from breast cancer, my aunt passed away last year from lung cancer, and my cousin died from brain cancer. Any charity that supports families with cancer has a special place in my heart.”
Team Bertie, a regular supporter of Tenovus Cancer Care, is also out in force this year. Jean, affectionately known as Cwtch Jean who has cancer and her side kick Alan, have so far raised almost £14,000. Wow!
And if you are looking for more inspiration, clock Sam Buzza.
If running 26.2 miles on the epic course this Sunday isn’t remarkable enough, just two weeks ago she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest peak in Africa, to raise the Tenovus Cancer Care flag. What a feat!
Finally, and in great London Marathon tradition, are Kelly and Cai from Llandudno. Kelly will be running as, wait for it, a seagull, but partner Cai has left us guessing.
When we last checked in, he was either going to be at the start line as a Teletubby or a Dalek… suppose we’ll just have to wait to find out Sunday!
