Georgia Woolford, 35, is taking on the 2026 TCS London Marathon in memory of her dad – and to give back to the charity that supported her family when they needed it most.
This will be Georgia’s first marathon. While she has completed a couple of half marathons in her 20s and early 30s, as well as two 100km charity walks, 26.2 miles around London feels like her biggest challenge yet.
“I’d always entered the London Marathon ballot, secretly hoping I’d never get a place,” she admits. “It felt strangely rewarding knowing I’d tried. I always said I’d want to run it if I had a reason to.”
That reason came in May 2024, when Georgia’s dad died on his 60th birthday. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 and later died from leptomeningeal disease (LMD). After his death, Georgia decided to apply for a charity place with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
“Setting myself big challenges has been a way to focus my emotions and energy into raising money for causes close to my heart.”
Georgia works as a Senior Account Manager for a B2B tech copywriting agency based in Penryn. She recently moved to Cornwall for a slower pace of life and to be closer to the sea, while her mum and two brothers remain in the South East.
Outside of work – and aside from marathon training, which she jokes has become her “whole personality” – she enjoys hiking, travelling in her van, yoga, live music and festivals, bouldering and spending time with friends.
Training for the big day
Training has been “going ok”, helped hugely by her partner, who has taken on most of the miles alongside her, including the long runs.
“It’s been a great way to explore Cornwall. We’ve found footpaths and routes we never knew existed because of the training, so that’s a win.”
The tougher side? The time commitment. “From week 10 onwards, you have to start planning around the runs, rather than running around the plans. I’ve told my friends we’ll be catching up after marathon day!”
For Georgia, the biggest hurdle is mental rather than physical.
“I’m not naturally that competitive with myself, so when I feel like I want to stop, I have a habit of just doing that. I’ve been working on slowing down so I don’t want to stop as much and pushing through those darker thoughts. I always come back on a high – it’s just during the run that I hate life.”
On the hardest days, she thinks of her dad.
“I know how proud he’d be of me for taking on this challenge. He’d also think I was a bit crazy. Some people can run a marathon like it’s nothing. I am not one of those people. I just want to finish and raise as much money as possible!”
Running for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Running for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is deeply personal. The charity supported her mum during her dad’s diagnosis – something her family will always be grateful for.
“When I told Mum I’d got a place to run for Roy’s Runners, she was so pleased we were able to give something back.”
Since losing her dad, Georgia has been struck by how many people around her have been affected by lung cancer.
“It’s absolutely crazy how many people have been impacted. If I can use my body, then I should aim to raise as much money as possible to support families like my own.”
Georgia has set herself a fundraising target of £2,500 and hopes to go beyond it. She has been spreading the word both online and in the community her dad knew so well – putting up posters in his childhood church, at his golf club and in the local pub.
“I’m hoping these will reach people who knew Dad, but don’t know me.”
She is also planning a “name the bear” fundraiser and a cake sale, and has already been buoyed by the generosity of friends and family.
On marathon day, Georgia is most nervous about “needing the loo and not being able to go” and, more seriously, not finishing. But she’s equally excited.
“I’m excited to experience the marathon as a runner and not just a spectator. I’ll probably cry a lot.”
Her playlist swings between heavy metal and jazz – music that reminds her of summer festivals. When the miles get tough, she visualises standing in a field with friends and listening to her favourite band.
“If you can donate, please do,” she says. “Not finishing isn’t really an option for me. It’ll really spur me on to the finish line – thank you.”
She’ll be cheered on by family and friends on the day, with a couple of relatives also running for other charities. “They’re all a lot faster than me, though, so I’ll probably just see them at the pub at the end.”
If she could dedicate each mile, it would be to her mum, dad and two brothers.
“For all being brave in their own right. We continue to be a tight family unit, and Dad is always with us. I hope that never changes.”
And to others affected by lung cancer, she shares a powerful message:
“To those of us who are lucky enough to run, walk and move our bodies – we are the lucky ones. We should do tough things for those who can’t.”
To support Georgia and help her reach – and exceed – her £2,500 target, visit:
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/georgia-woolford