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Joining tens of thousands of runners on the starting line at this year’s London Marathon will be Clare Ford – more than a decade after taking part in the iconic event first time around.

Clare has regained her love of running, her confidence and physical strength to raise money for and awareness of a cause very close to her heart, after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020.

Clare, a Urology Patient Pathway Navigator at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, will be boosting coffers for the charity Lymphoma Action.

She was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and glands) and spreads throughout the body after finding a lump in her neck.

“It came as a complete shock,” said Clare (55). “The whole experience was made even worse as I went through my treatment during Covid, which meant I was unable to have anyone with me for support. It was a very tough time.”

Clare underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and finished her treatment on 28 April 2021, almost four years to the date of this year’s marathon – which takes place on Sunday 27 April. 

A few months later, Clare received the fantastic news that she was in remission.  

She said: “As a family we have done a fair bit of raising awareness and funds for Lymphoma Action, a charity that supported me through treatment and beyond and I will be forever grateful to them for getting me through an incredibly difficult time.”

She is now taking centre stage with her own fundraising following the incredible achievements of her husband Brendan and son Michael who have each run the London Marathon over the last couple of years. 

Clare was also inspired by Michael when last year he ran from John O Groats to Lands’ End via the Three Peaks over a gruelling 20-day challenge. 

She now aims to build on the family’s fundraising for the charity, which currently stands at around £11,300.

Clare added: “The training so far has been challenging, particularly in the recent spell of cold weather, but I have been spurred on and motivated by wonderful family and friends.”

Joining Grantham Running Club and becoming a member of her Fighting Fit 5km has helped Clare to regain her confidence – and with her fitness coach, son Michael guiding her, she is looking forward an emotionally-charged London Marathon.

“I know it will be emotional, and a lot has happened since I first ran the Marathon in 2014, but I am determined to cross that finish line!”

Every 26 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with Lymphoma.

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. To support Clare in her Marathon quest please visit Clare Ford is fundraising for Lymphoma Action