Cornwall runners race for young lives at London Marathon
Runners from Cornwall are preparing to take on one of the world’s most iconic races, the London Marathon - but for them, this is about far more than the finish line.
Mark Emes and Oli Russell, are raising money for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity that has supported their families through deeply personal cancer journeys.
For Mark, the cause is close to home. His youngest daughter, Becca, was diagnosed with a rare tumour on her kidney - one she named “Horace.” Although the tumour and kidney were removed, her journey has continued, with the cancer returning just before Christmas 2025.
“The world doesn’t stop during cancer,” Mark said.
“You become a circus performer trying to keep all the plates spinning whilst putting on a smiling face, when all you want to do is take the pain and suffering that your child is going through away.”
Throughout Becca’s treatment, the family received vital support from the charity, including stays at Sam’s House in Bristol during hospital visits. “The staff there have been amazing,” he said. “It gave us somewhere to stay and a base during appointments.”
Mark will be running the marathon dressed as a pantomime dame alongside two friends, in a bid to raise funds - and possibly even break a Guinness World Record.
Meanwhile, Oli Russell is taking on the challenge in memory of his stepson, Rhys, who died in March 2025 at just 18 years old after a three-year battle with melanoma.
“Anyone that knows me knows I don’t run,” Oli said. “But for Young Lives vs Cancer and our brave son Rhys, I’m going to learn.”
Rhys was first diagnosed at 15, before the cancer progressed to stage four. In his final weeks, Oli and his wife made a promise to make every moment count - supported by the charity, which helped create lasting memories and continues to provide emotional support to Rhys’ brothers.
“Rhys was always very fit and loved running,” Oli said. “I remember saying I’d love to run the marathon one day and he laughed, saying ‘you couldn’t run a bath’. I couldn’t think of a better way to honour his memory.”
Also part of the effort is Mark Emes’ wider team, who previously completed the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge and are now pushing even further - taking on not only the London Marathon but also a 100km Jurassic Coast Ultra just weeks later.
Together, they hope to raise £7,500 by April 26, helping ensure no family faces cancer alone.
“Every contribution counts,” the team said. “Young Lives vs Cancer helps families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them - and we want to give something back.”
For these runners, every mile carries a story of resilience, loss, and love - and a determination to make a difference for others facing the same journey.