Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear these words: ‘you have cancer’.

Cancer can throw their lives into chaos. Even for those who recover, it can have a lasting impact on their futures. Without Teenage Cancer Trust, they might not get the clear communication, sense of control and individual support they need throughout a potentially life-threatening illness – and they might never meet another person their age who knows what they're going through.

Abigail was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in January 2021. She is currently being treated by the Teenage Cancer Trust at University College London Hospital (UCLH) and is expected to finish maintenance treatment in April 2023.

“When I was moved to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit, I made friends with other young people on my bay and with my nurses and Youth Support Coordinators.

“I had Karl as one of my Youth Support Coordinators and he was great. When I was sad about losing my hair, he sat down with me and told me what to expect. He said it was OK for me to be feeling how I was feeling and reassured me that my hair would grow back.

“When I finish treatment, I would love to go back to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at UCLH to chat to other young people about my experience and try to help them with what they are going through.”

With your support, we can help reach every young person facing cancer like Abigail. The donations you could raise would help fund specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS, so young people have dedicated staff and facilities to support them throughout their treatment.

When you sign up to be a part of the Teenage Cancer Trust TCS London Marathon team, you’ll not only help young people with cancer but also receive our support from the moment you join us until Event Day and beyond. This support includes top fundraising tips, expert advice from our training partner and plenty of support from our multiple cheer points along the course. We’ll also be hosting a post-event reception just a few minutes from the Finish Line, where you can help yourself to some hot food and a much-deserved free massage.

Do something amazing and join our team today – to find out more, click here.