[ Watch our video below ]

Sarah and I have run together pretty much since we started dating in 2022. 

I'd run casually for a few years but it was Sarah, with 6 marathons and countless other runs under her belt, who encouraged me to sign up to run the Valencia 2024 Marathon with her!

However in April 2024, we got unimaginable news: Sarah was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. A non-smoking genetic mutation called EGFR+ (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). Our lives were turned upside-down.

She was instantly referred to University College London Hospital (UCLH) and under the guidance of an excellent clinical care team led by Dr. Keshwani she was prescribed a radical course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to begin at haste.  Over the following months she became weaker and sicker from the side effects. We rallied. I took care of her to the best of my abilities, but couldn't have done it without the support of our family, friends and the incredible staff at UCLH.

Since ending intensive treatment in July, Sarah has begun to recover but still goes for immunotherapy treatment, blood tests and other regular hospital visits. She is stronger; gradually returning to her job, doing gentle yoga and eating healthily. In the back of my mind I hoped she would still be able to run the marathon with me but, as tough as she is, I knew this was now an impossible ask.  Just the other day we tried to go for a run together, but after 2 minutes we had to stop. Her lungs just wouldn't let her do any more.  

This has left me even more compelled to complete the 26.2 miles, not just for me or us but to give something back to the people who continue to keep Sarah and I going through all of this.  

So it is now our mission to raise funds for UCLH Cancer Fund* and EGFR+ UK** charities.   

*The UCLH Cancer Fund provides equipment, supplies and renovations and supportive care for patients and staff at UCLH.   They also fund world-leading cancer research, which is continuing to find new ways to treat cancer, including the 6-year old immunotherapy drug that is currently saving Sarah'’s life.

**Each year in the UK around 5,800 people are diagnosed with EGFR+.  The charity EGFR+ UK is a tight knit community of patients and loved ones. Members of this precious club share compassionate words and painfully acquired knowledge in a closely protected space.  The charity has become a vital resource for Sarah and I; helping us make informed decisions about her care. It is a small but hugely important collective of people who educate and advocate for early diagnosis in non-smoking lung cancers.

Any amount that you feel you can give would be so much appreciated.

With love and gratitude, 

Robin & Sarah