I am running the London marathon for my brave five-year-old son who is tackling cancer head on

Sam Piggott from Chorley is running the London Marathon this weekend to raise funds and awareness for Children With Cancer charity, following his brave five-year-old son Teddy’s diagnosis with leukemia.

Teddy, is currently undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at Royal Manchester Children's hospital.

It has been a challenging time for the family, but seeing Teddy's bravery has inspired Sam to lace up his running shoes for a second time and raise funds for Children with Cancer UK.

In June 2024 Teddy was three years old at the time and due to start Reception in September.

However, after visiting the GP for his standard pre-school vaccinations, his parents noticed that for the following week or so he seemed a really pale colour.

They visited the GP again who informed them this can happen following vaccinations, and his colour should return to normal within another week or so.

A week later Teddy woke up with a raging temperature and was extremely lethargic. His colour had also changed from appearing pale, to now looking jaundice.

The doctor advised that Teddy had tonsillitis and prescribed him antibiotics.

Parental instinct kicking in, they felt this was not the right diagnosis and decided to take Teddy to another hospital where he was diagnosed in A&E with sickness and diarrhoea and told it would sort itself and to go home.

Teddy’s mum stood her ground and refused to leave hospital until a blood test had been done to rule anything else out.

The family were then given the words that every parents dreads aplastic anaemia and leukaemia.

Sam said: “When we arrived on the first ward at Manchester Children’s Hospital and saw all the other children, this is when it really started to sink in.

“Following more tests, we were introduced to one of the oncology consultants who informed us with the words no parent ever wants to hear ‘Teddy has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia’.

“We want to share this story to raise awareness for the charity and to show our support for Teddy during his recovery.

“I am honoured to be running the TCS London Marathon for the second time on April 26th to continue supporting my son Teddy who is bravely fighting against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.”

He added: “Teddy has amazed us over the last year with everything he has achieved. Despite his diagnosis, setbacks and his ongoing battles, he faces everything head on and makes us immeasurably proud to call him our son.

“To be given the chance once again to raise money for this wonderful cause, and be able to take part in such an unforgettable event once again is a huge privilege and one I am truly grateful for.

“I can't thank everyone enough for the kindness and generosity shown toward me and my family so far but would appreciate it massively for any donation you could spare towards this absolutely brilliant cause.”

To make a donation to Sam’s fundraising page click here.