Meet the Runners on Team Penny at London Marathon 2026!
On Sunday 26th April, our biggest ever team of 9 individuals will be taking on ‘the greatest race in the world’ – the iconic London Marathon!
They all have varied personal connections to Penny Brohn UK, with some having friends and family who have gone through a cancer diagnosis and having received personal care and support from the charity.
Over the next few weeks we will be sharing some of their stories right here on the Penny Brohn UK website. So, make sure to check back in each week for a new inspirational story.
Lorrie and Laura
I applied for a ballot place for the London Marathon last year (2025) as I approached my 40th birthday, and it felt like the perfect challenge to set myself. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a place, but when my friend Laura was successful in the ballot this year, I decided I’d take on the challenge alongside her.
Having previously fundraised for Penny Brohn UK during the Bristol Half Marathon, I knew it was a charity I wanted to support again. After being told all charity places had gone, I was thrilled to receive an email in October from Penny Brohn UK – coincidentally while on holiday with Laura, talking about her marathon training – offering me a place that had opened up. It really felt like it was meant to be.
Penny Brohn UK is a local charity close to my heart, having supported members of my family in the past. The work they do for people living with cancer and their families is truly invaluable, and that continues to motivate me throughout my training.
Balancing training with work and family life has definitely been a challenge, but having Laura on the same journey has helped enormously. Although we don’t live near each other, we keep each other motivated during the week and plan our longer runs together. Like many runners, we’ve both had to navigate injuries along the way, finding the balance between recovery and building mileage.
Reaching the half marathon distance was a huge milestone for me – the furthest I’ve ever run – so every long run beyond that feels like new territory. It’s as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.
Music has played a big part in keeping me going, with Pete Tong on BBC Sounds helping me zone out and just keep moving. Alongside the occasional burst of rock when I need an extra push!
On marathon day, I’m most looking forward to soaking up the incredible atmosphere, being surrounded by thousands of runners all with their own stories and reasons for being there and, of course, crossing that finish line.
Katy
Why did you want to run the London Marathon?
I feel incredibly grateful to have my health, especially knowing so many people aren’t as fortunate. It’s made me want to make the most of it and challenge myself by stepping outside my comfort zone.
Why are you choosing to run in support of Penny Brohn UK?
Both my mum and dad went through cancer and, although they survived the initial treatment, I saw first-hand how difficult life afterwards can be. That stage — learning to live again physically and emotionally — is often the hardest part. Sadly, they both lost their fight, which is why supporting a charity like Penny Brohn UK, who focus on that ongoing support, means so much to me.
How’s the training going?
It’s definitely a bit of a juggle with work and two girls aged 10 and 7, but I’m getting it done and really enjoying the brighter, better weather we’ve had recently.
Any notable training moments you can share?
My best friend Emma often starts my long runs with me, which makes such a difference. She keeps me going at the beginning and then waves me off when she heads home while I carry on — it’s a real boost and something I really appreciate.
What’s your go-to running playlist (or podcast)?
A mix of Sam Fender and some good dance music — anything upbeat that keeps me moving!
What are you looking forward to most about the day itself?
Definitely the crowds — the atmosphere is incredible and gives you such a lift when you need it most.
Noel
I decided to run the London Marathon because I’m a hairdresser and I want to help people live well with cancer. We’re in a relationship-building game, and far too many of our clients have got cancer. We take clients through their hair journey from finding out that they’re going to be losing their hair to it growing back, and it’s important that we can open up the narrative. Running the London Marathon is a great way to open this up.
NOCO Hair always supports Penny Brohn UK. It’s such a charity that’s close to our heart and to our clients. So many people have been affected by cancer, and as a business we’re looking to build a community. What a better way to do it than support such a great charity?
Training has been hard. I only got a short turnaround to actually be able to do it. Somebody dropped out of the place in the London Marathon. I haven’t really run that much. Legs are tight. The furthest I’ve run is 16 miles, so it’s going to be interesting on the day.
I did the Bath Half Marathon. That was amazing to get back in and get into the race atmosphere. Just have to remember how to pack the bags, take the right things, and bring two trainers, not just one. It’s such a great thing to be a part of.
On a long run, I normally listen. I’m a bit of a bedroom DJ, so I normally make some mixes and listen to a little bit of old school house music.
The London Marathon brings out the best in humanity, and I’m just looking forward to seeing people crossing Tower Bridge and seeing all the fancy dress outfits. You never know, I might even wear one myself.