WOODFORD resident, whose wife was diagnosed with bowel cancer, takes on the London Marathon to raise vital funds for world-leading cancer research institute
He is running to raise vital funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) – the world-leading research institute and charity.
Father of two, Charlie, 46, took up running as a coping mechanism and a form of stress relief after his wife, Courtney, was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 40 in September 2024.
Courtney’s diagnosis came as a huge shock to the couple, as Charlie explains:
“Cancer is devastating and very scary. Not only for the person receiving the diagnosis, but also for their entire family. Navigating everything with young children has been extremely challenging. It has been extremely tough to see Courtney go through everything.”
Courtney was told that her cancer was locally advanced, and the couple were relieved that it had not spread further. She immediately started six rounds of chemotherapy to stop any spread of the disease, followed by radiotherapy to shrink the tumour so that it could be operated on and removed.
She has recently completed her final round of mop-up chemo which will hopefully be her last. Her most recent scan showed no evidence of disease, so the couple are hoping for a positive outcome going forward.
Their story is sadly not unique. But the couple consider themselves lucky.
Charlie says: “I know that our story is not uncommon anymore. Too many people will have had similar cancer journeys with a close friend or loved one. Worryingly, cancer, and particularly bowel cancer, is rising in the under 50s and there is still no clear explanation as to why.
“We consider ourselves to be very fortunate – firstly, that Courtney’s tumour was identified so quickly and secondly, that the cancer treatment available today is nothing short of remarkable. We have been blown away at the level of NHS care that we have received, along with technological advances in things like chemotherapy drugs, targeted radiotherapy, and even down to her operation which was carried out through revolutionary robot-assisted abdominal keyhole surgery.”
Charlie is aware that all these advances have been made possible due to research, hence his passion to fundraise for The Institute of Cancer Research.
He says: “It goes without saying that I am incredibly passionate about this cause and this fight. The more research is done into cancer, the more ways we can prevent, detect, treat, and maybe even one day eliminate it for good. No family should have to go through this.
“Cancer research is vital – if we are going to beat this disease, we have to tackle the root cause of it. The improvements in drugs and technology in the last ten years have meant that Courtney was able to get treatment which was unavailable previously. Lots of people with her diagnosis would have died ten or twenty years ago. We might not be able to cure it completely, but it would be great if advancements in science mean future generations can live longer, better lives with cancer.”
Charlie is hoping to raise £2,500 for The Institute of Cancer Research.
Rachael Potter, Sports and Challenge Events Officer at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Charlie and all of our #teamICR runners taking part in this year’s London Marathon. Training for a marathon while fundraising is a huge commitment, and we continue to be inspired by the determination and passion shown by our supporters.
“We hope Charlie and all our runners feel motivated knowing they are helping to make a real difference for people affected by cancer. Every pound raised helps drive our research forward, and every mile brings us closer to a future where cancer can be defeated.”
To support Charlie and raise funds for our vital research, visit: Charlie’s London Marathon fundraising page
