An Isle of Wight woman will take on the TCS London Marathon 2026 to raise money for the East Cowes-based charity that supported her after being diagnosed with cancer as a toddler.
26-year-old Tallulah Shepherdly, from Newport will run the iconic marathon next year to fundraise for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which supported her following her treatment for bilateral Wilms tumour, a kind of kidney cancer.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people aged 8-24 on sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.
Tallulah, who is Head Animal Keeper at Nettlecombe Farm in Whitwell, said:
“I first heard about the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust 15 years ago when I was 11 during a follow-up appointment with my oncologist at Piam Brown Ward (at University Hospital Southampton). The Trust has supported me massively since then, and I honestly can’t imagine what my life would look like now without that support. They’ve given me so much confidence, and fundraising feels like a meaningful way to give a little something back – while also challenging myself!”
Whether diagnosed as a child, teenager, or young adult, cancer has a big impact on mental wellbeing beyond treatment. Friendships and relationships suffer, education is impacted, and young people can live with body image issues and late effects that last way beyond their cancer.
Through the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s sailing and outdoor adventures, young people gain a new sense of purpose and self-worth, rediscover their independence, and feel optimistic about what comes next in life. They realise what they are capable of, stop feeling like ‘the only one’, and their mental wellbeing improves.
“I started running last summer thanks to the Couch to 5K programme run by Isle of Wight Road Runners. Since then, I’ve completed 2 half marathons, but this will be my furthest run yet.
“The biggest challenge will be training through the colder, wetter months. Working on a farm means winter can be really tiring and chilly, and after a long day, going out for a run will take some motivation.
“I have a very lively spaniel, Monty, who loves his walks. I’d love to combine training with exercising him, but he’s far too fast for me! We’re also currently renovating our new house, so getting out for a run will actually be a welcome break from all the work.”
Great cause, good luck.