Oxfordshire Mother with Stage 4 Adrenal Cancer Takes on London Marathon for Maggie's
A remarkable 47-year-old woman from Oxfordshire, who is battling Stage 4 adrenal cancer, will run the London Marathon this April to support Maggie's, the national cancer charity. Sarah, a mother to James, 17, and Ed, 15, and wife to Rob, has amazed her family and friends with her zest for life and stamina while undergoing cancer treatment. To date, she has raised an impressive £14,000 on her fundraising page for Maggie's.
Determination and a 'Wild Goal'
Sarah, known for her adventurous and determined spirit, described applying for a place in the London Marathon as a 'wild goal' she felt compelled to achieve. She shared, "I've always been quite a determined person, and last year, when I told my husband Rob that I'd applied to do the London Marathon in 2026, he just rolled his eyes and said, 'Of course you have'. Rob and the boys are used to me making my mind up about something and doing it - even if I am on active cancer treatment."
Her best friend Rachel also applied, and Sarah was overjoyed when she secured a place in July 2025. However, Rachel did not get a spot, which motivated Sarah to begin training seriously. She recalled, "I knew there and then that the hard work would have to begin, and I would have to start running."
Overcoming Challenges in Training
With limited running experience—having completed a few 10k races and a Tough Mudder years ago—Sarah started gently with 5k runs and progressed to 11 miles by November. Her training has not been straightforward. In December, she faced setbacks including news that her tumours were growing again, discontinuation of her five-year cancer treatment mitotane due to ineffectiveness, and a torn calf muscle just before Christmas. Despite these hurdles, she is gradually getting back into her routine.
Cancer Journey and Positive Outlook
Sarah was diagnosed with adrenal cancer in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a major operation and years of chemotherapy and steroids, the cancer has spread to her lungs. She completed five rounds of chemotherapy last year, which were unsuccessful, but remains positive about new treatment options, including immunotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy.
She expressed gratitude, saying, "I am so glad to still have treatment options and to be here with Rob and my two boys, and I stay as positive as I can and do everything that I can, whether it's going for dinner with friends, watching my boys play sport or just walking our dogs. I know people have days when they don't feel like training, but for me, it's a privilege to get out there and run on the days when I can."
Inspiring Others and Supporting Maggie's
Sarah aims to raise as much money as possible for Maggie's Oxford to support others facing cancer. She shared her experience with the charity, noting it took two years to gather the courage to visit. "When I did, I found care, compassion and community. Maggie's is a sanctuary, and it's made a huge difference," she said. The centre has provided advice, workshops, and support on discussing cancer with her children.
She encourages others, "I would advise anyone with a diagnosis or who is worried about a family member with cancer to find their local Maggie's because a visit there will always make you feel better. That's why I'm running the London Marathon."
Community Support and Final Message
With support from Rob, Rachel, friends, and her sons, who plan to cheer her on throughout the marathon, Sarah is determined to complete the race. She emphasized, "Nothing will get in the way or stop me. I want people to know that even if you have cancer, you can still do things, you can set 'wild goals', and you shouldn't let anything stop you. I'm doing this for me and Rob and my boys and for Maggie's."
Claire Marriott, head of Maggie's Oxford, praised Sarah, stating, "It is incredible to see Sarah continue to set goals and do the things that she loves. Sarah choosing to support Maggie's in this way helps to ensure that Maggie's can be there for many other people with cancer and their families."
About Maggie's Charity
Maggie's offers free expert support across 27 UK centres for people with cancer, assisting with stress, anxiety, treatment questions, financial concerns, and family communication. The charity also supports family and friends of those diagnosed. Sarah is among many runners participating in this year's London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Maggie's.
