Tooting resident Abi Sherratt will be taking on the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April to support cancer patients and those who’ve lost loved ones to the disease.
Following her own diagnosis with thyroid cancer last year, Abi is running to raise vital funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) – the world-leading research institute and charity.
Abi, 27, was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in February 2025, after a friend spotted that her neck looked swollen. Now, with her treatment behind her, she is preparing to run the London Marathon to prove to herself she is still capable of taking on tough challenges following her diagnosis.
Abi says:
“My diagnosis was a huge shock and totally unexpected. I was only 26 years old, fit and healthy, and I did not feel at all unwell. In fact, I had just completed a fitness challenge, running 5K every single day of the previous month. Hearing I had cancer was very scary, especially as it was a diagnosis that had come completely out of the blue.”
Despite being reassured that her type of cancer was easily treatable and had a high chance of a successful outcome, Abi’s journey was not quite as straightforward as first thought.
Having originally been told that she would just need one operation to remove some of her thyroid, in the end, she had to have two surgeries as the cancer was more progressed than previously thought. She had her whole thyroid removed, along with some lymph nodes. This was followed by a course of radioactive iodine treatment, a form of targeted radiotherapy.
Abi completed her treatment in September and is hoping that her next scan in May will confirm it has been 100 per cent successful and that the risk of her cancer recurring is minimal.
Abi says:
“There is no doubt that it has been a tough journey – both physically and mentally. But I know that I’m one of the lucky ones, as my type of cancer was highly curable. Knowing that my type of cancer was so treatable made a real difference and gave me hope.
“That’s only possible because of research. It’s thanks to groundbreaking discoveries like those being made at The Institute of Cancer Research, that treatments are improving, outcomes are getting better and more people can find hope in the face of an unimaginable diagnosis. Through my own experience with cancer, I’ve seen firsthand how important continued progress is for people and families affected. It’s been a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how much we all rely on the breakthroughs that come from research, as well as the dedicated people pushing for better treatments.”
Abi has chosen to run the London Marathon for The Institute of Cancer Research – not only to prove to herself that this setback won’t hold her back, but to help fund the next scientific breakthrough:
“Running a marathon became something I wanted to do, and getting a place this year after a year of health challenges and for a charity making discoveries to defeat cancer, feels incredibly meaningful. It will be a personal physical feat for me, but one that will help me prove to myself that I am well, that I can still take on tough challenges, that my cancer will not define me or hold me back.
“Cancer research is what gave me the reassurance that I would be OK. Even through it was a horrible and scary time, I knew that treatment was there to make me better again. I am thrilled to be running as part of #TeamICR and making a contribution by giving back to research. It is a thank you to those who researched my type of cancer in the past and a sign of hope for those patients who don’t have it so easy.”
Abi is hoping to raise at least £2,500 for The Institute of Cancer Research.
Rachael Potter, Sports and Challenge Events Officer at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Abi and all of our #teamICR runners taking part in this year’s London Marathon. Training for a marathon while fundraising is a huge commitment, and we continue to be inspired by the determination and passion shown by our supporters.
“We hope Abi and all our runners feel motivated knowing they are helping to make a real difference for people affected by cancer. Every pound raised helps drive our research forward, and every mile brings us closer to a future where cancer can be defeated.”
To support Abi and raise funds for the ICR’s vital research, visit: Abi’s fundraising page
