Cancer Research UK’s London Marathon runners 2007

Over 1,500 people will be taking part in the London Marathon this year to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Runners of all ages, many of whom have an emotive reason for running, are hoping to raise an amazing £1.5 million for the charity

Below is a sample of people who will be running for Cancer Research UK this year, including celebrities. If you would like to arrange an interview, or receive more information, please contact the Cancer Research UK press office.

CELEBRITY RUNNERS

Ronan Keating

Ronan has been a prominent figure in the world of music since Boyzone’s debut release in 1994. Running his first marathon, Ronan said: “My mum died nine years ago from cancer and I believe that if she’d been more aware of the warning signs she could still be here now. The statistics show that one in three of us will be diagnosed at some stage with cancer. I’m looking forward to running the London Marathon this year to help raise awareness and vital funds for Cancer Research UK.”

Nell McAndrew

Nell, a model, returns to the 2007 London Marathon after taking a break from the event to have her first baby, Devon. This year, Nell will be running with her mum, Nancy. Nell said “As running ambassador for Cancer Research UK I’m able to combine the two things I’m passionate about – running and raising money to beat cancer. Cancer is very close to my heart as my dad was diagnosed with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma three years ago. Thankfully he’s now in remission and just thinking about him will really help me and my mum get to the finish on the day.”

Kara Tointon

The actress, Kara Tointon, is running her first marathon with six girls in memory of their friend, Lynn Fox. Kara said: “Up until three months before she died, Lynn had been training in the hope of running in the marathon herself. She wanted to celebrate ten years since being given the all clear following her first bout of breast cancer. We’re running in her memory and hope to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.”

Donal McIntyre

Investigative journalist, Donal MacIntyre, is hoping to improve his fitness and lose weight by taking part in his eighth full marathon. His fastest time to date is 3.40hrs. Donal said: “Cancer Research UK is a charity close to everyone’s hearts. A close family member died last year and we’ve all been touched by the tragedy of her death.”

CASE STUDIES

Running in memory or celebration of others:

Eddie Faulkner (38 years – Wiltshire) ran the Paris Marathon in 2006, with his friend, Shaun Till. They joked about a mole he had on his back during the race. On their return, Shaun went to a specialist and was diagnosed with skin cancer. The cancer spread rapidly and four months later, Shaun died. Shaun’s dream was to run the London Marathon so Eddie will be running for Shaun and his family.

Elizabeth (Betty) Dwyer (73 years – London) is running the London Marathon at the impressive age of 73! Betty lost her husband and her only granddaughter to cancer. This is her first marathon but Betty has already done two London Bikeathons, at 65 and at 70, and feels well prepared for the challenge.

David Koulakis (23 – London) Dave, also know as ‘Spag Bol Dave’, after cooking up pan-loads of his speciality for hungry students to help raise money for his marathon effort, has lost both his mother and brother to cancer and recently his father has also lost his battle against cancer.

CANCER SURVIVORS

Jenny Leathes (47 years – Cornwall) -was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35, nine years later in 2005 it reappeared as secondary cancer in her liver.

Jenny does not want her story to be another statistic and training for the London Marathon is helping her cope with her cancer.

Ashley Tapp (32 years – London) was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2005. He has just been given the all clear and is running the London Marathon as a way of saying thank you to all those who helped him and to show his parents and triplet sisters that he is well again.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Jessica Borton at the Cancer Research UK press office on 0207 061 8492 or, out of hours, the duty press officer on 07050 264 059