Loughborough Student Embarks on London Marathon Journey After Overcoming Cancer
A Loughborough University student, who received a life-altering cancer diagnosis at just 20 years old, is now preparing to tackle the London Marathon next month. Charlie Livingstone-Wyre, now 21, is undertaking this formidable challenge to raise crucial funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, aiming to inspire others facing similar battles with his powerful message: "cancer does not, and will never, define them or who they are."
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In January 2025, Charlie began experiencing nausea and sickness, later noticing a swelling in his neck. After enduring a grueling 26-hour wait in A&E, doctors initially suspected an infection and prescribed antibiotics. However, when his condition showed no improvement a week later, he was admitted to hospital for further extensive testing.
While on university placement in Leicester, Charlie found himself persistently chasing his test results. The pivotal moment came as he was teaching a PE class, when he received that fateful phone call. "The nurse checked it was OK to give me bad news over the phone - then told me I had cancer," Charlie recalled. "She was as gentle as possible, and nobody ever wants to hear those words, but to be honest I was glad to finally know what was wrong."
Navigating Treatment with Resilience
The following day, Charlie met his care team at Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and prepared for treatment. "At that first appointment I met the team on the ward and the doctors and they were fantastic," he said. "They said to me that they couldn't promise me that I'd be OK but explained the treatment plan and made sure I understood what was going to happen."
Shortly afterwards, Charlie faced an eight-day hospital admission, which he describes as his "toughest time." He underwent numerous pre-chemo tests, including a lumbar puncture and the fitting of a PICC line. "I was in a lot of pain and had immense stomach pain due to meds and had a morphine pump to help me cope," Charlie explained. This was followed by six intensive chemotherapy sessions.
"I felt awful a lot of the time," Charlie admitted. "But I applied my sports training to what was happening and kept disciplined. I told myself that what I was going through was horrible but had to be done and that it would have a positive outcome."
Support from Teenage Cancer Trust
During this traumatic period, Charlie and his family received invaluable support from the Teenage Cancer Trust. "In hospital I had offers of support from a few different charities, but Teenage Cancer Trust was the one that really stood out to me," he said.
The charity, which supports teenagers and young adults across the UK, provided both emotional and practical assistance. Charlie highlighted the role of Lois, the youth support co-ordinator: "She was lovely and friendly and supported me however she could. I could speak to her if I was feeling down, but what I really appreciated was how she supported my mum through it all. She always made time for her, kept her grounded, and helped her break down this big scary thing."
Additionally, the charity had funded a recreation room on the ward equipped with PlayStations, allowing Charlie to play FIFA with friends when he felt well enough. He also praised his nurse Charli for her understanding and humor, which helped him maintain a positive attitude.
Road to Recovery and Marathon Preparation
Now cancer-free, Charlie has returned to Loughborough University for the final year of his degree in international relations and history. He has been diligently working to regain his fitness, with the goal of completing the London Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust.
"I am an extremely sporty guy, so it was hard when cancer treatment deconditioned my muscles and joints and to lose my strength and fitness," Charlie shared. He was referred to MOVE, a charity that helps people rebuild fitness after cancer, which provided guidance on safe training and injury management.
"I'm running the London Marathon to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, and I've chosen the charity as I've obviously experienced first-hand the impact of its work," Charlie stated. "The marathon has given me a fitness goal to work towards. I'm not a runner at all and it's going to be difficult, so I hope my commitment helps demonstrate to people my true belief that Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic cause."
A Message of Hope and Inspiration
Charlie believes crossing the finish line could be an emotional milestone. "I haven't done much reflecting on everything I went through yet as I just want to get on with life," he said. "So, there hasn't been that moment where I've been really emotional about what's happened - but I think crossing the finish line at the marathon could be it."
He also offers a positive message for those currently undergoing cancer treatment: "The marathon is happening around a year since I was diagnosed. As well as raising money, I'd like other people who have experienced cancer to look at me and think - well if this guy can do it maybe I can - to give them a bit of solace or inspiration. And I want people going through cancer to know that it does not, and will never, define them or who they are. Cancer is much too weak for that, the people going through it are the strong ones."
Charity Impact and Community Support
Charlie is one of over 300 individuals running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust, raising vital funds to support 13- to 24-year-olds with cancer in the UK. The charity is the only UK organization providing specialized nursing care and expert youth support for young cancer patients, funding specialist nurses, youth workers, and hospital wards within the NHS to ensure sensitive, individualized care.
Harriet Durban, Mass Participation and third-party manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, expressed gratitude: "Seeing young people we've supported through cancer like Charlie give back by running the London Marathon is incredibly inspiring and we're so grateful for their efforts. Among over 300 others who are taking part for the charity, the total raised will help us provide quality care so that no young person faces cancer alone. We receive no government funding, so support like this is vital to keep our services running."
Teenage Cancer Trust's challenge events are crucial for fundraising, enabling continued support for young people like Charlie throughout their treatment journeys.
