Beckenham runner set for 9th London Marathon for Cancer Research

Deborah Ward has raised nearly £155,000 for Cancer Research UK after her brother was diagnosed with incurable cancer and she lost both her mum and boss to the disease within weeks of each other.

In 2014, Deborah completed her first marathon for the charity and has run it every year since, qualifying through the Good Age process.

2014 London Marathon

Deborah said: “I devastatingly lost my dear brother Rob in August 2019 at the age of just 55.

“This is why I am so passionate about fundraising and why I will continue to fundraise in memory of my loved ones."

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Two years later, Deborah's uncle passed away of the same cancer.

Rob and Deborah (Image: Deborah Ward)

Deborah is proud to have run a personal best time of 3:28:46 at the age of 54 in the 2021 London Marathon, which was her first marathon since losing her brother.

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Two years later, she is still striving to run as fast as she can to raise as much money as possible.

In the 1970s, 1 in 4 people survived cancer, today, 2 in 4 people survive cancer.

Deborah is part of Cancer Research UK’s drive to see 3 in 4 people surviving cancer by 2034.

She said: “Without research and groundbreaking treatments, I could have lost my dear brother so much sooner.

“Many of your readers may have seen me out running in my Cancer Research running vest, spanning many miles throughout the Borough of Bromley.”

To support Deborah’s cause use #RunningForRob on social media and follow her Just Giving link here.