Gemma Whyatt, 31, and Scarlett Clarke, 20, from London are joining a team of six brave women from across the UK who are set to make a powerful statement at this year’s London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Running in backless tops and shorts to publicly reveal their rare and potentially life threatening birthmarks, Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN), they hope their personal challenge will also serve as a wider celebration of confidence, courage and self-acceptance.
Gemma shares:
“I was born with Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN), which means my whole body is covered in birthmarks of all shapes and sizes — the largest covering most of my upper chest and back. They’ve always been part of the package — now they’re getting a headline moment.”
Taking place on 12 April 2026, the run marks the launch of #BareYourBirthmark, a national awareness campaign led by UK charity ‘Caring Matters Now’.
The campaign shines a spotlight on Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN) – a rare and often misunderstood genetic condition that presents as large, dark brown birthmarks, which can cover up to 80% of the body.
Born with CMN covering most of her back, stomach and smaller areas across her body, Scarlett explains how she grew up navigating stares and questions:
“From a young age, I chose confidence over hiding, pushing myself to wear a bikini proudly on holiday. Now, as an adult, I am an actor and dancer, and I refuse to let my CMN hold me back. By running the London Landmarks Half Marathon and baring my birthmark, I hope to empower others to feel confident, proud, and unstoppable in their own skin.”
It’s More Than Just a Birthmark
For those living with CMN, the reality can extend far beyond appearance. Many people with CMN face multiple surgeries, lifelong monitoring, and significant psychological challenges. The condition can also be associated with serious neurological complications, which in some cases can be fatal.
Alongside complex medical issues, many children and adults experience staring, intrusive questions, bullying, and social isolation.
#BareYourBirthmark aims to shift the narrative – from concealment and discomfort to visibility, education and empowerment. By choosing one of the UK’s most high-profile running events as their stage, the six women hope to spark national conversation and promote greater acceptance of visible differences.
“We are doing this not just for awareness,”
says Caring Matters Now CEO Jodi Whitehouse, who is also one of the six runners and has CMN herself.
“This campaign sends a clear message: confidence doesn’t come from unmarked skin – it comes from loving the skin you’re in.”
About Caring Matters Now
Founded in 1997, Caring Matters Now is the only UK Charity that provides personal and compassionate support to anyone affected by CMN, works to raise awareness of CMN, and drives pioneering research (at the Francis Crick Institute in London) to improve understanding, care and treatment for CMN.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Head of Communications, Helen Stroud, helen.stroud@caringmattersnow.co.uk 07521394198, or for more information about Caring Matters Now and Congenital Melanocytic Naevus, please visit:
www.caringmattersnow.co.uk
