Most people look at the 26.2-mile stretch of the London Marathon and see a daunting physical challenge. For Shoebury local Sarah Johnson, it represents something much more: a chance to say thank you. At 52, Sarah is laced up and ready for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, but her motivation is not just a personal best - it is personal gratitude.
When her daughter, Eleanor, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the world felt like it was shifting under her feet. During their family's hardest hours, Gold Geese, a local childhood cancer charity, stepped in to provide a lifeline of support. Now, Sarah is taking to the pavement to ensure other families in their community never have to walk that path alone.
A Mother's Gratitude
Sarah, a driving instructor at Johnson School of Motoring and playworker at Home Start, will join thousands of runners on Sunday, April 26, as she tackles the 26.2-mile route through London. She is aiming to raise £2,000 for Gold Geese, which provides practical and emotional support to families of children and young people fighting cancer across Mid and South Essex.
Sarah’s daughter Eleanor was diagnosed with bulky Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October 2024 and had five months of chemotherapy at University College London Hospital. A year on, following a full MRI scan, Eleanor remains cancer-free - something the family are incredibly grateful for.
Sarah Johnson says: “During Eleanor’s gruelling treatment we met so many wonderful children and families, and we know first-hand just how fortunate we are. We were also lucky enough to be put in contact with Katie and her amazing Gold Geese charity, who provide practical and emotional support for children, young people and their families fighting cancer.
“Gold Geese supported us by funding our rail travel to and from London, offering food vouchers, and providing emotional and wellbeing support for us as a family. I will never forget Eleanor having a visit from Santa and his amazing elf while she was in hospital after her blood transfusions - the smile on her face as pizza and presents arrived at the door is something I will never forget.
“It has also been fantastic to meet other parents and families on our journey at various events throughout the year organised by Gold Geese. So now it’s my turn to give back.
“Having seen my own child and others go through treatment, and witnessing the physical and mental strength needed, I’m challenging myself to run the London Marathon. I want to raise funds to help Gold Geese continue the incredible work they do for these amazing children and their families.”
Charity Founder's Thanks
Katie Southgate, founder and CEO of Gold Geese, says: “Sarah’s family is part of the Gold Geese flock, and we’re so grateful she’s running the London Marathon to fundraise for us. We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.
“It is a privilege to be able to provide support to all of our families. Eleanor’s treatment journey has taught us a lot about the support older teenagers need during and after treatment. We are so grateful to know Eleanor and her lovely family! Good luck to Sarah - I know how hard you’ve trained for this run.”
How You Can Support Sarah's Fundraiser
Supporters can donate to Sarah’s marathon fundraiser at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarahsmarathongoldgeese
How Donations Help
- £20 could provide toys or comfy new pyjamas for a child staying in hospital
- £45 funds an hour’s counselling for a bereaved family
- £280 funds a memorial bench for a child who has passed away
- £400 funds a big end-of-treatment celebration
- £700 covers a weekend respite break for a family
For more information about Gold Geese or to learn the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, visit www.goldgeese.org.
Location: Shoeburyness, Essex
