In memory of my younger brother Liam I am running the London Marathon in April to raise funds for The Ruth Strauss Foundation who help support families affected by non-smoking lung cancer.

In November 2019 my younger brother Liam who was 34 years old at the time, a non-smoker and incredibly athletic, was on holiday in Cyprus with his pregnant wife and young daughter when he collapsed resulting in emergency intensive care treatment. A few days later, I was sat with him when we received the awful news that Liam had multiple cancers throughout his body, including the lungs, brain, bones and liver. With no prior medical history other than a persistent cough, this diagnosis came as a complete shock to both him and our family. He was told he was unlikely to see the birth of his second daughter and concluded a diagnosis of ALK (non-smoking lung cancer).

Despite the enormity of this diagnosis Liam from the onset had one goal which was to fight for as much time as humanly possible to meet his unborn child and make special memories with his little girl and his wife. I always recall his strength when he stated, “life will throw you curve balls, sometimes you just have to smile, grit your teeth and take it on the chin”. He believed that every event that goes against you in life will soon be followed by something which goes in your favour.

Somehow over the next 4+ years, my little brother created incredible memories with his family. He was there for the birth of his second daughter, and he spent as much time as he could with his wife, two young daughters and our family. Liam was able to make a special return to Cyprus to meet those who helped him and renew his wedding vowels. Liam's resilience, strong mindset, and his ability to deal with these unimaginable curveballs, always finding the positives, no matter how hard it may seem, has acted as a guiding light for both me and all our family.

Sadly, we lost Liam in April 2024 aged 38 which has left a huge hole in our family. I am running my first marathon to raise money for The Ruth Strauss Foundation who helped and continues to help our family and his little girls and wife with his loss. Their mission to fund research and treatment for non-smoking lung cancers, and to support children coping with the loss of a parents, resonated with me instantly as you can imagine. Having seen first-hand the impact of both illness and loss on families, I feel deeply connected to the Foundation's cause and have attended many events, some with my brother.

As I take on the London Marathon 2026 something Liam himself had completed twice previously, I know Liam will be watching down. Although personally I have never undertaken such a challenge the strength that Liam showed right until his last breath will keep me going and I know that any pain I experience will in no way relate to what he endured. I hope I will inspire his two beautiful little girls who will be there cheering me on, and with your help we can support the Ruth Strauss Foundation in their continued work helping families through unimaginable times.

Thank you for reading my story, any donation is gratefully received and will make a difference.

Gavin