16 October 2025
We are so excited for you to meet the Trust tribe taking on the TCS London Marathon next April!
This is the first time we have had places in the world-famous marathon. It is a game-changer - the amount of money raised and the exposure these incredible runners will drum up will make a huge difference to the lives of young people living through and beyond cancer.
The amount of interest from those wishing to take part was amazing. Over 100 applicants were whittled down to 20 following long conversations and hard decisions. But we are delighted to introduce you to the heroes representing the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust at next year’s event.
The 20 runners are made up of young people we have supported, their loved ones, volunteers and skippers from our community, and some new friends beginning their relationship with the charity:
Paris Blair - enjoyed transformational adventures in 2024 and 2025
Dylan Chavasse - son of volunteer and Friend of the Trust
Gemma Clapcott - daughter has been supported, and has since become a volunteer, and son has enjoyed a siblings adventure
Daneesha Dhillon - twin sister supported on sailing and outdoor adventures
Simon Francis - niece has been supported on sailing and outdoor adventures
Jude Goodacre - daughter has been supported on five adventures
Jeni Jolliffe - daughter has been supported on four sailing adventures
Eleanor Kilduff - enjoyed three transformational adventures and now a volunteer
Emma Lister - volunteer
Louise Macleod - daughter has been supported for the last three years
Anne Macintyre - daughter was supported on two sailing adventures
Alexandra McKenna - brother was supported on sailing and outdoor adventures
Emma Mounsey - son has been supported on sailing and outdoor adventures
Chloe Phelps - friend of volunteer
Freya Sampson - enjoyed transformational adventures in 2024 and 2025
Tallulah Shepherdly - enjoyed seven transformational adventures and now a volunteer
Michael Spanner - skipper
Lily Whipps - cousin has been supported on sailing and outdoor adventures
Jonathan Wright - daughter has been supported on sailing adventures
Riyaan Yesudian - new connection
Emma is one of our fantastic volunteers, which she says is the ‘best decision’ she has ever made: “Seeing the difference the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust makes to young people’s lives and families is truly the most magical thing, it’s hard to put into words how amazing it really is to see. I wanted to be able to help the charity get to where they need to be. The Marathon stood out to me and seemed like the perfect opportunity where I could help.”
Tallulah was an ‘extremely anxious child’ on her first sailing adventure 15 years ago. Being treated for a bilateral Wilms tumour - a type of cancer affecting both kidneys - as a toddler had left her with lasting effects on her mental health.
She said: “The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust gave me so much confidence back, and on my first trip gave me what I needed to move on to secondary school. I’ve grown up with their support and owe so much to them today. This will be a great way to help me give back, while challenging myself!”
Paris was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma - a kind of blood cancer - in 2022 and benefitted from transformational sailing adventures in 2024 and 2025. She said: “I’ll be running not only for myself in beating cancer, but the friends I made on my trips, on the hospital ward, and my uncle Patrick who sadly didn’t win his battle. This charity means so much to me and has supported me brilliantly.”
Alongside those chosen to take part, four more runners were successful in the marathon’s public ballot who have chosen to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
We’re so grateful all of them have chosen to dedicate their time and effort to raise money and spread the word of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as part of their TCS London Marathon.
With the TCS London Marathon set to take place on 26 April 2026, there is just over half a year to go until the big day.
Best of luck to all of the runners as they prep for this epic challenge. We’re all rooting for you!
Inspired? We have places in the marathon up until 2029 and applications for 2027’s event will open next spring. Register your interest here!