From Cancer Diagnosis to Marathon Finish: An Inspiring Runner's Journey
In the lottery for the 2026 London Marathon, over a million people applied, but Andy Sperry was not among them.
At that time, the former semi-professional skateboarder from Tonbridge Wells received a diagnosis that would change his life.
In 2024, he underwent surgery initially thought to be for an abscess related to Crohn's disease. Doctors reassured him that "there was nothing to worry about," but the abscess turned out to be stage three colon cancer.
Two years later, Andy finished his first marathon in London in three hours and 25 minutes.
Between the diagnosis and the race, he underwent intensive treatment, including a stoma surgery, several months of chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiation therapy.
Movement as a Path to Recovery
Despite the treatment, he did not stop running.
"I had chemotherapy every two weeks. I felt terrible by Friday, but a few days later I was back out running," he shared.
During this time, Andy openly shared his story on social media, maintaining an optimistic outlook and receiving support from his wife, family, and friends.
Eleven months ago, he underwent major surgery to remove the cancer, including parts of his colon, rectum, and surrounding tissues, followed by reconstructive surgery.
Initially, he struggled to even reach his toes or walk properly, but within three to four months, he was back in his running shoes and preparing for two half-marathons and the London Marathon.
After his diagnosis but before the surgery, a friend told him about a charity that helps young people with cancer at any stage of their journey, encouraging them to engage in sports.
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Physical Activity and Connection
Although he had always led an active lifestyle, participating with peers through Trekstock (source in English) became an important support on his recovery journey.
Thanks to this organization, Andy secured a spot in the London Marathon and launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, which has already raised over £4,000.
As a carpenter, he aims to challenge the stigma surrounding a disease that increasingly affects more people.
"There is still a significant stigma attached to cancer and death, as it was often seen as a death sentence. But it shouldn't be that way," he states.
With rapid advancements in medicine, treatment outcomes are improving.
"There are so many new treatments and therapies available now. The chances of recovery are much higher."
What Symptoms to Watch For
Colon cancer is increasingly diagnosed in young people, and he urges anyone noticing symptoms like pain, blood in stool, or changes in bowel habits to see a doctor. These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but early detection can be crucial.
For Andy, overcoming cancer was possible due to a combination of psychological resilience, a strong support network, trust in the treatment process, and a unique approach to recovery shaped by years of rehabilitation from serious skateboarding injuries, including a skull fracture.
He notes that recovery from surgery can take up to 18 months and is not yet complete, but after finishing the marathon, he feels, "I feel like I am almost fully recovered."
