Carers Trust's 2024 London Marathon runners

Sarah is running the London Marathon in honour of her dad, Tony, who died in August 2022 after being diagnosed with a cancer called Mesothelioma in 2021.

Sarah spent the 17 months after his diagnosis travelling to support him as often as she could.

She said: “During the last couple of months he could not be left alone. We had wonderful carers coming in twice daily to help look after Dad.

This helped us to keep him at home. As a family we became very aware of how hard it is to be a full time carer. There are no breaks.

Louise is running the Marathon for the second year in a row and this time is joined on the course by her son, Tom.

She was inspired to run for the charity after caring for her dad in the last years of his life.

She said: “I became a carer to my dad in the last few years of his life."

"Although I would do it all again in a heartbeat, it took a toll physically, mentally, and at times I can't begin to tell you how lost I felt and that was all with my own family's support too."

Flora works for The Rank Group PLC, which has been supporting Carers Trust for 10 years.

Running the Marathon is something she’d long dreamed of doing so, when the chance came, she grabbed it.

She said: “I am running the London Marathon in support of Carers Trust as three in five of us are likely to become unpaid carers in our lifetime."

"Having watched friends and family members care for their loved one, it is clear that their social lives, relationships and careers are often sacrificed in order to do so, which can be incredibly isolating."

Alex, who works for long-time Carers Trust supporter The Rank Group PLC, is also taking on the race after starting to run just two years ago.

She explained: “I am taking on the iconic London Marathon to support unpaid carers."

"This is a cause close to my heart. My mum was caring for my grandmother for almost five years. Sadly, none of them are with us anymore."

“I am running for them and for all women out there who have given their lives to care, support and protect their loved ones.”

Isobel has always wanted to run the London Marathon. As a former young carer, she said she was honoured to run for Carers Trust.

She said: “It’s always been on my bucket list to complete the London Marathon and having been a young carer myself I’m honoured to be running for the Carer’s Trust!"

“Having been a young carer myself and also working with children who rely on their dedicated carers, I’m looking forward to  helping raise money for a charity which recognises the amazing work unpaid carers do.”