Serena Murphy, who days ago completed the Paris Marathon, will be taking on the London Marathon this Sunday 26 April to support cancer patients, writes Francesca Papp…
The 32-year-old is running to raise vital funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), a world-leading research institute and charity.
Serena from Wandsworth said decided to take on the double-marathon challenge after her mother, Debra Botham, 63, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2024.
She described running as a “my therapy over the past year.”
Serena has already completed several half-marathons, as well as the London Marathon in 2023 and the Brighton Marathon in 2025. She says: “When my mum was going through her cancer treatment, I knew I wanted to help…by raising money for a cancer charity but having already completed several half and two full marathons, I felt like I had to go one step further to encourage friends and family to get behind me and donate.”
Despite battling injury for much of her training, Serena completed the Paris Marathon on 12 April in 4 hours 15 minutes and is now looking ahead to the London Marathon on 26 April.
Rachael Potter, Sports and Challenge Events Officer at ICR London, said: “We hope Serena 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.”
Serenasaid: “My main aim is to hit my fundraising target or hopefully go beyond it, and just enjoy the day!”
She hopes to raise over £2,500 to support the ICR’s research. At the time of writing donations stand at £2,183.
Relatedarticles
Donate to Serena: https://www.justgiving.com/page/serena-murphy-irc?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
