When 26-year-old Eve Medlam from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, lines up at the start of the London Marathon, it will be more than just her first marathon. It will be a deeply personal moment, filled with pride, love and remembrance.
Eve decided to take on the challenge after what she describes as “years of losing my spark”.
“I decided it was time to do something for me and prove to myself what I am capable of, all whilst running for an incredible cause.”
That cause is close to her heart. In 2021, just after Eve turned 21 and her Grandma Gloria turned 71, her family’s world changed overnight. Gloria was suddenly diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable lung cancer and given just two weeks to live.
She was sent home from the hospital, where Eve, her mum and her grandad cared for her for six precious weeks before she sadly passed away.
“The first mile will be for my Grandma Gloria as this is who I am doing this for,” Eve says. “And the last mile will be for her again, and for the other individuals and families going through this devastating diagnosis.”
Discovering strength she didn’t know she had
Remarkably, Eve only started running in August 2025 after securing her marathon place. At the time, she had only ever run up to four miles.
“One evening I put my trainers on and wasn’t feeling great, but I ended up running 10 miles when I didn’t think I would even run one. I remember thinking, if I can do this, then I can do a half-marathon.”
Two months later, she completed her first-ever half-marathon at Carsington Water in Derbyshire, alongside her twin brother Sam. It was a milestone moment in a journey that has already transformed her confidence.
Although she has never considered herself a runner, Eve says people often underestimate her.
“But when I say I am going to do something, I do it. Every training session I complete, I am proving that to myself and everyone else. I am mentally tough and resilient, and I pull through setbacks.”
Training through the toughest days
Balancing full-time work as a Project Manager with marathon training has not been easy. Eve lives at home with her parents and two brothers and spends her spare time walking her Springer Spaniel, Elsie, seeing friends and running in the countryside.
Her biggest challenge so far?
“Training in the dark winter months, in the rain, snow and ice. These days have been extremely challenging, but reminding myself why and who I am doing this for has really helped.”
To stay on track, she has been using the Runna marathon training app to follow a structured plan. And when she needs an extra boost, there is one song that always keeps her going: Gloria by Laura Branigan.
“It reminds me of my Grandma Gloria.”
Marathon day emotions
Eve admits she is nervous about the course, having never run the London Marathon before. But what she is most excited about is soaking up the iconic landmarks and the famous crowds.
“I have heard they are amazing.”
Waiting at the finish line will be her family and friends, the same people who have supported her every step of the way.
She is aiming to raise £2,200 for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation through social media, documenting her journey on TikTok, hosting a coffee morning and even planning a skydive.
“Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation means a lot to me as they help support families and individuals going through a diagnosis, as well as funding vital research to help people with lung cancer in the future.”
A message to others affected by lung cancer
Eve wants anyone facing lung cancer to know that they are not alone.
“There is support out there, such as Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. And they are brave. They truly are the real fighters.”
This April, every mile Eve runs will carry meaning. Mile one for Grandma Gloria. Mile 13 for the family and friends who have believed in her. And the final mile once again for her grandma and for every family facing lung cancer today.
After years of feeling like she had lost her spark, Eve has found it again — one determined step at a time.