Aspiring surgeon 'wants to give something back to medical teams'
James Laiolo studies at the University of Exeter
A University of Exeter medical student, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma, is running 100km along the Thames Path this weekend to raise money for the hospital that saved his life.
James Laiolo, 24, from Staines, will take on the Thames Path Ultra Challenge for The Royal Marsden in Sutton on Saturday, where he underwent four gruelling months of chemotherapy.
The University of Exeter medical student, who hopes to become a surgeon, has already raised more than £10,000 with the support of friends and family.
James discovered a lump under his arm in December 2023. Further investigations revealed that he had Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and fast-growing form of blood cancer.
Within days, his life changed completely as he was admitted to hospital and began intensive treatment.
James said: “Going from seeing patients to being a patient gave me a perspective and understanding I didn’t have before.”
Throughout his treatment, James documented the reality of living with cancer on social media. His candid videos attracted nearly 50,000 followers on TikTok and gave viewers an honest insight into the fear, uncertainty and physical impact of treatment.
His latest challenge continues a long history of fundraising. At 15, James organised a Macmillan Brave the Shave event in front of his entire school, raising more than £1,000.
James had previously performed in theatre, appeared on television and interviewed music producer Naughty Boy for CBBC. Years later, the hair loss he had once embraced for charity became a deeply personal part of his own cancer experience.
Since leaving hospital, James has returned to university and resumed his journey towards becoming a doctor.
“I’ve never run 100k before but I reckon it's the least I can do. The Royal Marsden went the extra mile for me, now it's my turn,” he added.
“I hold a deep gratitude to many people and towards life as a whole following this, I think when you’re young it’s very easy to overlook just how precious it is to be healthy.”
James’s fundraising page justgiving.com/team/jameseuan100k