Former rugby player Tom Chapman and his wife, England international Vicky Fleetwood, are running the London Marathon together after Tom was diagnosed with brain cancer just a year ago.
Tom, 31, who played over 150 National League games, including for Tonbridge Juddians, Worcester Warriors and Blackheath, was diagnosed in April 2025 shortly after returning from his honeymoon. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy but has continued training alongside treatment. The couple will take on the TCS London Marathon this Sunday (April 26) for Brain Tumour Research, a charity they support as ambassadors, with the aim of raising awareness and funds for research into the disease.
Rugby Rally
Tom said he has recently completed his ninth round of chemotherapy, adjusting treatment timing so it does not clash with race day. “Running this race with Vicky means the world to me,” he said. “What we’ve been through has made us stronger than we ever thought possible.”
He added that doctors initially estimated a limited life expectancy following diagnosis, but said he is determined not to be defined by that prognosis. “Brain tumour patients don’t have the luxury of time. We need research to happen now.”
Vicky, a Commonwealth bronze medallist and member of England’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, said the moment Tom suffered a seizure at home was life-changing. “It was the most terrifying moment of my life,” she said. “I just kept thinking, ‘Is he going to die?’”
Following emergency scans and a 10-hour operation, Tom’s tumour was confirmed as a grade 4 astrocytoma, the most aggressive form of the disease. Despite treatment, Tom continues to coach rugby and recently joined Vicky in a 24-hour CrossFit challenge, helping the couple raise more than £17,000 so far for Brain Tumour Research. They plan to run parts of the marathon separately before reuniting for the final miles, marking what they describe as a shared goal shaped by the past year.
Urgent Need for Research
Brain Tumour Research says brain tumours kill more people under 40 than any other cancer, yet receive only a small fraction of national research funding.
Carol Robertson, national events manager at the charity, said the couple’s determination was “truly inspiring” and highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in research.
Donations to support their marathon fundraising can be made online via JustGiving.
