An Everyone Active community development manager based in Southwark is running his first London Marathon in memory of his uncle who died of lung cancer.
James Tierney, 29, lost both his aunt and uncle to lung cancer. Having previously ran the Bath Half in 2012 for his aunt, he is now raising and is fundraising funds for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in memory of his Aston Villa fan uncle.
And naturally he’s been training in Everyone Active gyms across the borough, including Southwark Athletics Centre and Camberwell Leisure Centre.
“I have wanted to complete a marathon for as long as I can remember, so to be able to run on behalf of The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is extremely important to me,” he said.
“My friends often describe me as ‘rather lean’ and a ‘sporty’ type, but I have never run anywhere near this distance before.
“I’m sure the atmosphere and crowds will be amazing and running for such a personal cause will carry me across the finish line.
“For now, I plan on training hard at in the Everyone Active gyms, making sure I can run the race in the best time possible.”
To date, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JTMarathon