When Alex was diagnosed with lung cancer, his first thought wasn’t about himself — it was about his children. He asked the doctors to give him the best chance to see them grow up.
Almost three years later, Alex is cancer-free and loving what he calls his “annoyingly normal” life – from ferrying his two kids to countless sports clubs to conquering the London Marathon.
“I remember the moment I was diagnosed so vividly. In that second, my life as I knew it had changed forever.
“Quickly though, the doctor explained that the cancer had been caught early and that I had options. I just told them to give me the best chance to see my kids grow up. The surgeon simply replied, “We’ll sort this.” And I trusted they would.
How running help to spot the signs
“The diagnosis was a huge shock. I’m a healthy guy — I’ve never smoked, I’ve always been sporty, and I was actually training for a marathon at the time. Looking back, I think that’s part of the reason my lung cancer was caught so early.
“Running had been a big thing for me during lockdown. I’d gone from 5k to 10k to half marathons, and I had my sights set on a full marathon. If I hadn’t been pushing myself to that degree, I don’t think I would have realised something wasn’t right. When I was running at full tilt, I could just tell something was off.
“It took a while, but I was finally diagnosed at the end of November 2022. You go blank. You go numb. In that moment, you know your life has changed.
Surgery and beyond
“I had surgery soon after. The surgeon removed half of my lung, and thankfully I didn’t need any further treatment. Recovery was gradual – slower than I’d hoped or expected, if I’m honest – but once I reached a certain point, running became my saviour again.
“With every run, my confidence grew. My thoughts turned back to the marathon, and I started to think, “I can do this.”
“Then I found out that Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation had London Marathon places. It felt like the stars had aligned — I needed a challenge and a cause, and Roy Castle gave me both.
The ultimate aim
“Running the London Marathon was incredible. From the Foundation staff to the other runners, we all shared one united purpose — we wanted something good to come from what we’d been through.
“Many people were running in memory of loved ones, and that really hit home. It reminded me how lucky I was — and how powerful it felt to give others hope. I was living proof that you can be diagnosed with lung cancer and come out the other side.
“Marathon day itself was something else. I remember turning the corner at Cutty Sark and being met with a wall of noise — it was so emotional. I couldn’t help but think about how far I’d come.
“My partner, Amy, and the kids must have walked half a marathon themselves that day, trying to cheer me on at every point. They were amazing. Both my kids are really sporty, so it felt special for them to see me achieve something like that. It just shows what’s possible when you have focus.
Annoyingly Normal
“As incredible as the marathon was, I’ve no burning desire to do it again — I don’t think it could ever be matched!
“For me, it was about coming full circle: finishing what I’d started before my diagnosis and proving to myself — and others — that there is life after lung cancer.
“I’m living hope. Two and a half years ago, I just hoped to still be here — and here I am, living an annoyingly normal life.
“Every day now feels precious. Not only do I get to see my kids grow up, but I get to be an active part of their lives. My plan is simple: live life, stay healthy, stay happy. I’ll take what I’ve got — and I’ll run.”