This year, as thousands of runners take on the iconic London Marathon, Anna Lowe will be running for something deeply personal: her dad, Arthur.
At 49, Anna is preparing to run her very first full marathon, just before turning 50. It’s a milestone challenge, but also a powerful tribute to a man whose life was cut tragically short.
“I’ve run half marathons before, but never a full marathon,” Anna says. “I wanted to achieve one before I turn 50.”
But life, as it often does, added a unique twist to that goal.
A busy mum with a big goal
Anna lives in Liverpool with her two children: a 10-year-old son and a daughter who will be just 17 months old on marathon day. Becoming a mum again at 48 has been a joy, but it has also made marathon training a real test of resilience.
“I’m still breastfeeding and juggling life as a busy mum of two, alongside working full time,” she explains.
Anna works as an NHS Advanced Nurse Practitioner, dedicating her career to caring for others. Now, she’s channelling that same determination into her training, regularly taking on half marathons as she builds up to the big day.
A personal connection to lung cancer
Anna’s motivation runs far deeper than the finish line.
Her dad, Arthur, died from lung cancer in 1992 at just 45 years old. He was a non-smoker, and his illness was caused by second-hand smoke.
“It’s something that has stayed with me my whole life,” Anna says.
Arthur was a police detective and, following his diagnosis, became connected with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation while helping to set up cancer support centres in Croydon. The two men formed a bond through their shared experience.
“My dad met Roy during that time. They were brought together by their diagnoses,” Anna shares.
Roy Castle’s own illness, linked to years of performing in smoky venues, helped spark a national conversation around the dangers of second-hand smoke. His legacy, alongside the campaigning work of Fiona Castle, contributed to the push for smoking bans that protect people today.
“Two great men I will be running for,” Anna says.
Running to make a difference
Anna is taking on the marathon in support of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, determined to help fund research and support that could save lives and keep families together.
“I’m motivated to fund research to keep other families from going through what we did,” she explains.
She has already been organising fundraising activities through her workplace and her children’s school, and she’s aiming to go well beyond her £2,200 target.
Cheered on every step of the way
On marathon day, Anna won’t be alone.
Her brother, sister, and her dad’s five grandchildren will all be there, cheering her on from the sidelines.
With every mile, she’ll be carrying not just the physical challenge of the race, but the memory of her dad and the hope of a future where fewer families face the heartbreak of lung cancer.
Anna’s story is a powerful reminder of why we run, why we fundraise, and why our work matters.