Francesca Marotti

The best running crew in Sardinia

A quick update from our family trip to Sardinia, and honestly, my heart is completely melting! 🫶

Training during the holidays is never easy, but my nephews made it so much easier! They are officially my biggest fans and total legends 🥰

Riccardo asked my sister if he could give some of his pocket money to my fundraiser, and Niccolò even jumped on the treadmill to run right next to me.

I'm such a lucky zia 💕

Huge thanks to everyone who has supported my London Marathon journey so far, it means the world! ✨

For Him, For Me, For a Cure.

Six months. That is how fast cancer took my superhero away.

I was 20 years old when my dad was diagnosed. In just half a year, I watched the strongest man I knew lose his mobility, his mind, and his life. I was by his side for every step, through every treatment, caring for him every single day. But to be honest? I was the first one who couldn't accept what was happening. I still vividly remember hiding in my bedroom, completely overwhelmed, because the pain was just too much to handle.

Growing up, my dad was a runner. He always took me with him and was my biggest champion from day one, constantly encouraging me to dig deeper, push past my limits, and keep going when things got tough. I didn't care much for running back then, but I loved spending that time with him.

After all these years, the heavy pain and the hole he left behind are still there. While I feel his presence in so many moments of my life, the second I put on my running shoes, something special happens. I feel like he's right there running beside me. What was once his passion has become my way to heal.

That is why running the 2027 London Marathon for the World Cancer Research Fund is a dream come true.

And if I ever needed proof this was meant to be? I got my entry for the marathon on his birthday. If that isn’t a sign from him, I don’t know what is. ✨

💙 How You Can Support My Journey 💙

I know the training ahead will be tough. But it is nothing compared to what cancer patients and their families go through every day. I’m running to heal my own heart, but most importantly, I’m running so other people don't have to say a forever goodbye to the person they love most.

To stand on that start line in London, my goal is to raise £2,750 for life-saving cancer research.

Every single donation made directly on this page - no matter how big or small - helps fund vital research to prevent cancer and save lives. If you aren't able to donate today, sharing my page with your friends and family means the world to me.

Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me.

Dad, this one is for you 🏃‍♂️