An 18-year-old cancer survivor has completed the London Marathon.
Paris Blair, from Brighton, crossed the finish line in support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, raising more than £1,200 for the charity that helped her regain confidence following her treatment.
Ms Blair was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2022 and underwent chemotherapy.
She was introduced to the trust’s trips by her therapist, who thought they could help her cope with survivor’s guilt and connect with others with similar experiences.
She said: "I was diagnosed with lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy.
"My therapist recommended the trust’s trips as a way to meet more people like me as I struggled with survivor’s guilt.
"I had joined local running clubs before being diagnosed, but since finishing treatment, I’ve struggled to find my way back to the sport."
Ms Blair said she was “barely above beginner level” before training for the marathon.
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Cancer treatment had left her unable to climb stairs without help, so she saw the marathon as a chance to prove that “life doesn’t have to change after cancer.”
She described the marathon as "very nerve-wracking" and said the excitement and anxiety at the starting line in Greenwich were unlike anything she had experienced before.
Ms Blair said: "The crowds were insane. I understand why they recommend not wearing noise-cancelling headphones.
"The energy and noise, though overstimulating at times, fuelled me right to the end.
"Turning the corner at Big Ben and seeing the 385 yards to go sign was a feeling of relief I’ll never forget."
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supports young people aged eight to 24 who are living with or beyond cancer, helping them rebuild confidence and independence through sailing and outdoor adventures.
Ms Blair said: "Knowing I’m now a part of the 1 per cent of people who have ran and completed a marathon, I hope my efforts will help the lives of people like me. I was running for all of us and I’m so grateful to be given the opportunity to do so."
She plans to run the marathon again next year.
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