Why We Run: Stories from Team Neuroblastoma
We've been truly inspired by our runners this year, especially with five incredible individuals representing Team Neuroblastoma UK in the TCS London Marathon.
As the 2025 marathon draws nearer, we caught up with two of our runners to hear about the daily routines that keep them motivated, the inspirations behind their journey, and ultimately - what drives them to run for our cause.
Meet Tracy
Tracy from Buckinghamshire, is stepping up to the challenge of the TCS London Marathon 2025 in honour of her nephew, Jake who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 21 years ago. Since his diagnosis Tracy has always found ways to raise money for Neuroblastoma UK including an annual fundraising quiz which after a pause for a few years, she brought back for its 20th anniversary.
With three half marathons under her belt, Tracy is no stranger to running, but with her last Half-Marathon being over 7 years ago it was still a daunting feat. At the beginning of her training Tracy found she kept getting injured, so decided to take a step back and focus on strength before moving forward again. But despite these challenges, Tracy says the most rewarding part has been realizing the power of determination.
“You really can do mad things when you put your mind to it. And when motivation wanes, I just think of my why, and it drives me on.”
For those considering a challenge for Neuroblastoma UK, her advice is simple:
“Just do it. So many people are touched by cancer and want to help in any way they can. You will never be alone!”
Looking ahead to race day, Tracy is excited for every single moment, "You have to enjoy every mile and make the training worthwhile!" While she doesn’t have a set time goal, the real victory will be completing the marathon and honouring Jake’s memory in the process.
She is deeply grateful to everyone supporting her journey and invites you to be part of this incredible cause.
Meet Christine
Christine, from Hertfordshire, is taking on the incredible challenge of the TCS London Marathon 2025 in support of Neuroblastoma UK. With several half marathons under her belt, Christine has some experience, but this will be her first time pushing past the 13.1 mile mark.
Training for the marathon has come with its challenges, particularly planning out her routes but the generosity of her family and friends has made the journey even more rewarding. Christine’s motivation for running is her brother, Liam, who sadly passed away from neuroblastoma before she was born, and she has grown up knowing how loved and missed he is.
“I’m now about the age that my parents were when Liam was diagnosed, and I couldn’t imagine losing a child so young. I want to raise money for Neuroblastoma UK so that more families have the support they need and more children have access to treatments that can help them face cancer with confidence and optimism.”
To reach her fundraising goals, Christine has been sharing her running journey on Strava and organizing a raffle at work, with generous contributions from local businesses. Though she usually enjoys music or podcasts while running, she’s training herself to run without headphones so she can soak up every moment of the marathon atmosphere. Christine stays motivated during tough training sessions by reminding herself that this challenge is nothing compared to battling cancer.
On race day, she is most looking forward to seeing her family and friends cheering from the side lines - along with the incredible moment of crossing the finish line. Her goal for the marathon? To finish in under four hours - weather permitting!
Her biggest piece of advice to anyone considering a challenge for Neuroblastoma UK is simple:
“Do it! This charity does amazing things to change lives, and through supporting it, you can too!”
Christine is incredibly grateful to be part of Team Neuroblastoma UK and extends a huge thank you to everyone supporting her journey.
