Mary is one of our incredible runners taking on the TCS London Marathon this year and fundraising for our life-saving research. You can join her and be part of the team that is running to beat cancer.

Mary says that it is only because of research that she is overcoming breast cancer for a second time and now returning to marathon running.

Mary became the UK’s number one marathon runner between the ages of 55 and 60 when she won the Los Angeles Marathon for her age group in March 2018. However, just two months later, her life changed in ways she never imagined – she was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer.

“After I was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer in 2018,” says Mary, “all I remember thinking was, ‘What does aggressive mean? Will I live for another day?’

“Luckily, the cancer was caught early, so I had chemotherapy once every three weeks for three months. When I went into remission, I started running again. It was extremely challenging to find another lump after three years in remission, but new, targeted therapy has resulted in a clear scan and hope for a healthy future.

“I’m fundraising for Cancer Research UK to give other cancer patients hope that they will benefit from new drugs and research.”

Our research saves lives

Over the last 40 years, our research has helped double cancer survival in the UK. Today, two in four people survive the disease. Our ambition is to accelerate progress so that three in four people survive cancer by 2034 – and you can help us get there.

By joining Team Cancer Research UK for the TCS London Marathon, every pound you raise will support vital research that is making a difference.

We’ll support you every step of the way with fundraising and training tips, and we’ll also kit you out with a Cancer Research UK T-shirt or vest.

We'll also be there on the big day at our Cancer Research UK cheer points and at a post-race reception, where you can celebrate your achievement and enjoy a well-deserved massage!

Join Team Cancer Research UK today and together we will beat cancer – to find out more, click here.

Volunteer for Team Cancer Research UK

If you’re not taking on the TCS London Marathon this year, why not be part of the team that supports our runners through their 26.2-mile journey? This is a hugely rewarding experience and an exciting event to be a part – and an amazing opportunity to help beat cancer. To sign up us a volunteer, click here.