Luke Walker

For you dad ❤️

This marathon has a purpose.

Last year, cancer took my dad after a short but incredibly brave battle. Losing him left a space in our lives that can never truly be filled, but his love, his strength and the lessons he gave us remain with us every single day.

Watching someone you love face cancer is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It leaves you feeling helpless, wishing there was something—anything—you could do to change the outcome. No family should have to experience that heartbreak.

The last few years have been some of the most challenging of my life, and throughout it all, Dad was always there for me. His support, encouragement and belief in me helped me through some of my darkest moments. No matter what I was facing, I always knew he was only a phone call away.

Losing him last year has left a hole in my heart that can never be filled. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him or wish he was still here.

That’s why I’m running the London Marathon.

Not because I love the challenge, or because I want to tick another race off my list, but because every mile I run is in his memory. It’s my way of honouring the man who helped shape the person I am today, while raising money to support life-saving research and help other families facing this cruel disease.

I’m also doing this for my two amazing daughters, Belle and Daisy. I hope they grow up knowing that even when life throws its hardest challenges at you, you can choose to respond with courage, kindness and determination. I hope they see that it’s possible to turn heartbreak into hope.

I can’t change what happened to my dad, but I hope that by taking on this challenge, I can play a small part in helping create a future where more families get to spend precious time with the people they love.

So this marathon is for him.

It’s also for every family who has experienced, or is currently experiencing, the heartbreak that cancer brings. If, through this challenge, I can help raise money that gives even one family more time with the people they love, then every mile will be worth it.

If you’re able to support my fundraising, no matter how big or small the donation, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every pound raised will help fund vital research, improve treatments, and support families facing the toughest battle of their lives. If you can’t donate, sharing this page or cheering me on along the way would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me on this journey.

On marathon day, every step I take will be for the man who never stopped believing in me.

Dad, this one’s for you. I love you, I miss you, and I’ll carry you with me every step of the way.