Brighton runner’s message: cancer does not, and will never, define you or who you are
A man from Brighton who was diagnosed with cancer last year aged 20 is running the London Marathon next month. Just over a year since his diagnosis Charlie Livingstone-Wyre is undertaking the challenge to raise money for charity Teenage Cancer Trust - and wants others with cancer to know that ‘cancer does not, and will never, define them or who they are.’
In January 2025, Charlie, now 21, started to feel nauseous and sick and later noticed a swelling in his neck. He spent 26 hours in A&E waiting to find out what could be wrong.
Doctors suspected an infection and sent him home with antibiotics, but a week later there was no change in his condition, and he was admitted to hospital for further tests.
After he was discharged Charlie, who was on university placement in Leicester, found himself chasing his test results. Finally, in the middle of teaching a PE class, he received a life-changing phone call.
“The nurse checked it was OK to give me bad news over the phone - then told me I had cancer,” explained Charlie. “She was as gentle as possible in the way she broke the news, and nobody ever wants to hear those words, but to be honest I was glad to finally know what was wrong.”
The next day Charlie met his care team at the Leicester Royal Infirmary as they prepared him to undergo treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“At that first appointment I met the team on the ward and the doctors and they were fantastic, said Charlie. “They said to me that they couldn’t promise me that I’d be OK but explained the treatment plan and made sure I understood what was going to happen.”
Shortly afterwards Charlie was admitted for eight days which he describes as his ‘toughest time’.
Charlie explains, “I went through a lot of pre-chemo tests, had a lumber puncture, and other things to get me ready for treatment, like having a PICC line fitted. I was in a lot of pain and had immense stomach pain due to meds and had a morphine pump to help me cope, it was the toughest time.”
He then endured six sessions of chemo.
“I felt awful a lot of the time, said Charlie. “But I applied my sports training to what was happening and kept disciplined. I told myself that what I was going through was horrible but had to be done and that it would have a positive outcome.”
Thankfully at such a traumatic time, support for Charlie and his family was on hand.
Charlie explains, “In hospital I had offers of support from a few different charities, but Teenage Cancer Trust was the one that really stood out to me.”
The charity supports teenagers and young adults with cancer across the UK.
Charlie said, “Lois was Teenage Cancer Trust’s Youth Support Coordinator there. She was lovely and friendly and supported me however she could. I could speak to her if I was feeling down, but what I really appreciated was how she supported my mum through it all. She always made time for her, kept her grounded, and helped her break down this big scary thing.
“Teenage Cancer Trust had also funded a rec room on the ward and some PlayStations, so when I was well enough, I could play FIFA with my mates which was good.”
He added, “My nurse Charli was great too. I connected with her the most as she was funny and sarcastic. I had the attitude that I just wanted to get on with things and make jokes about the situation and make light of it, which she understood.”
Now cancer-free, Charlie has now returned to Loughborough University for the final year of his degree in international relations and history. He has also been working hard to get his fitness back to achieve his goal of completing the London Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust next month.
Charlie said, “I am an extremely sporty guy, so it was hard when cancer treatment deconditioned my muscles and joints and to lose my strength and fitness.
“I was referred to a charity called MOVE that helps people get back to fitness after cancer and they’ve helped me build back slowly and safely, as well as giving me advice on how to avoid and cope with injuries.
“I’m running the London Marathon to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, and I’ve chosen the charity as I’ve obviously experienced first-hand the impact of its work.
“The marathon has given me a fitness goal to work towards. I’m not a runner at all and it’s going to be difficult, so I hope my commitment helps demonstrate to people my true belief that Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic cause.”
Charlie thinks that crossing the finishing line could be an emotional moment and added, “I haven’t done much reflecting on everything I went through yet as I just want to get on with life. So, there hasn’t been that moment where I’ve been really emotional about what’s happened - but I think crossing the finish line at the marathon could be it.”
He also has a positive message for people who are going through cancer treatment now, saying, “The marathon is happening around a year since I was diagnosed. As well as raising money, I’d like other people who have experienced cancer to look at me and think - well if this guy can do it maybe I can – to give them a bit of solace or inspiration.
“And I want people going through cancer to know that it does not, and will never, define them or who they are. Cancer is much too weak for that, the people going through it are the strong ones.”
Charlie is one of over 300 people running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust and is raising vital funds for 13- to 24-year-olds with cancer in the UK.
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and expert youth support for young people with cancer. It funds specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital wards within the NHS that mean young people with cancer get the sensitive, individual care and support they need at a unique and critical life stage.
Harriet Durban, Mass Participation, Third Party Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said, “Seeing young people we’ve supported through cancer like Charlie give back by running the London Marathon is incredibly inspiring and we’re so grateful for their efforts.
“Among over 300 others who are taking part for the charity, the total raised will help us provide quality care so that no young person faces cancer alone. We receive no government funding, so support like this is vital to keep our services running.”
To sponsor Charlie’s London Marathon run visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/charliewyretctmarathon
Teenage Cancer Trust challenge events raise vital funds to support young people like Charlie through treatment. Visit teenagecancertrust.org/challenges to get involved.