I'm running the 2026 Paris Marathon for Children with Cancer UK!

I have been meaning to post this for a while but wanted to make sure I was in with a chance of finishing as it felt a daunting task. With 54 runs and over 500km of training under my belt so far, I’ve learnt a lot! Most importantly, I’ve learnt that my bowels do not enjoy morning runs. From flooding a church toilet mid service in Florida (don’t ask) to desperate squats in French woods, I have learnt this the hard way.

On a more serious note, I’ve chosen to run for Children with Cancer UK as I have been inspired by the triumph of a very special young man called Ernie Gore.

3 years ago on a typical weekend, we were doing what Ernie likes to do best and playing games with family at his Nans house. He was suffering with discomfort in his arm which was red and swollen and had grown over a couple of days. A few days later, we learned that Ernie had sadly got cancer in his arm he was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in August 2022. He bravely completed 14 rounds of chemotherapy, endured 28 days of radiotherapy and had an operation to replace his humerus in his arm with his fibula bone from his left leg. In September 2023, Ernie completed his treatment, started his recovery, and returned to college.

Unfortunately, in January 2024, only 4 months after getting the all clear and ringing the bell, Ernie was diagnosed with multiple tumours in his head and a secondary tumour on his lung. Ernie has since had a jaw tumour, tumours to both femurs, his other lung, and the top of his spine, all requiring radiotherapy which he's responded really well to, with tumours shrinking.

The most amazing part is that throughout the whole experience there hasn’t been a single time that I have seen Ernie without a smile on his face, which is a true testament to his character and positive outlook on life. He has continued to do what he loves to do best, farming, gaming and enjoying family time! #BuiltDifferent as Ernie has coined himself.

Whilst dealing with all of this, Ernie has even raised over £1000 for Cancer Research himself doing a plane wing walk with his cousin Ruben, what a legend!

With that in mind, I’m going to try my best to run the marathon with a smile on my face in true Ernie style! Any donation, big or small will be hugely appreciated, thank you!