Nicola taking on the London Marathon in memory of inspirational Mum, Pat
Nicola Cunningham, from Derbyshire, is running the London Marathon later this month, in memory of her Mum Pat Marston, who lost her battle with stage four metastatic bowel cancer in January 2023.
Motivated by a comment made by her Mum, where she said, “If I can fight cancer, you can run a Marathon.” Nicola applied for London and was lucky enough to receive a place through the ballot in 2023. However, due to it being so close to Pat passing away, Nicola chose to defer her place until this year.

Taking part in the London Marathon presents an opportunity for runners to raise funds for a cause close to their heart, so Nicola has chosen Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity with all donations going to the Burton Hospital Chemotherapy Unit.
Nicola said, “My Mum and Dad both inspired me to run in The London Marathon. For those cancer patients that have been through chemo, it’s a very worrying and stressful time. I’ve been to The Burton Hospital Chemo Unit with both of my parents and I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful the team are. My Mum and Dad used to refer to them as the amazing Sister Sue and her lovely Angels. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them, they are the kindest, funniest, loveliest people.
“To get a place through the ballot was amazing – I’ve only ever dreamt about it, having only ever ran 5km/10 km. At 52, I found myself looking after my Dad, who is fighting stage four metastatic prostate cancer, grieving my beautiful Mum and living in a country where it’s constantly windy and raining – it’ has not been easy. I’ve wanted to quit so many times.”
Nicola said that running a half marathon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in February this year was a huge turning point for her and really spurred her on. “My advice to anyone wanting to do something like this is, never give up”, added Nicola.
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, expressed her thanks to Nicola, stating the invaluable impact of her fundraising on Burton Hospital’s Chemotherapy Unit. “Every year, hundreds of people like Nicola, inspired by the loss of a loved one, selflessly fundraise for our charity. Nicola’s decision to undertake the London Marathon as a gesture of gratitude for the care received by her late mother, Pat and her father John, is a testament to her immense courage and compassion.
“I am sure that Pat and John would be extremely proud of Nicola for taking on the London Marathon, knowing that the money she raises will benefit others receiving treatment for cancer.
“Every penny that Nicola raises running the London Marathon will go to the Chemotherapy Unit in Burton, which provides specialised treatments to thousands of patients every year. On behalf of the charity and everyone at the Trust, I’d like to thank Nicola and wish her luck. As a charity team, we will be looking out for her on TV and cheering her on.”
Nicola has smashed her target of £5,000 and is now aiming to raise £7,000. Nicola’s Just Giving page is https://www.justgiving.com/page/nicola-cunningham-1712580730886 where donations can be made.
“For me, this is giving back to the people that were there for my family during an extremely traumatic time.
“We need to keep investing in our NHS in order to keep up with rising levels of need, deliver improvements in the quality of patient care, and be there for our future generations” said Nicola.
Cheering Nicola on in London will be her Husband, “We are travelling down on Saturday and treating ourselves to afternoon tea at the Savoy Hotel”