Ashley Adams joined nearly 60,000 runners taking on the 2026 London Marathon, many raising money for charities, including LOROS. Here’s his story.
“Our Mum Tracey ‘Trace’ was diagnosed with ampullary cancer in 2022 and underwent a major operation to remove it, which at the time was successful. Then, in December 2024, our family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned, this time in her lung, and it was terminal.
Mum endured several difficult rounds of chemotherapy, and at the start of 2025, we were told what no family ever wants to hear, she would be moving to palliative care. That was when our journey with LOROS Hospice and their amazing nurses began. The LOROS nurses visited mum every Thursday, their presence bringing us all much needed comfort and support.
Mum held on, determined to get a bed at LOROS. When we received the call to say a bed was available, it felt like a gift—we could spend those precious last days together as a family. The care Mum received there was incredible. From the moment we stepped into the hospice, we felt a sense of relief, as though a weight had been lifted, allowing us to truly be with her and make the most of our final time together.
Mum passed away with her family beside her on the 29th May 2025. She left myself and my two sisters a letter, and one line stood out and will stay with me forever: “I was there for your first breath, and you were there for my last.” The support and care provided by LOROS enabled myself, my two sisters and our Dad to be with her at that very last moment, making sure she knew that we were all there for her.
Even after our mum passed away, the support didn’t stop. LOROS has continued to support us as a family through their bereavement hubs. As a family, we now keep annual traditions by attending events organised by LOROS, including the Twilight Walk and our favourite, the Light Up a Life event in December.
My running journey began after I lost Mum. I had never run further than 5km, and I saw this as an opportunity to turn my grief into something positive.
Training hasn’t been easy. I’ve been out in all kinds of weather, and there have been plenty of emotional runs along the way. But every step has been driven by a purpose.
Now, I’m incredibly proud and excited to be running the London Marathon 2026 in Mum’s memory, while supporting the amazing work of LOROS Hospice.
I’ve now raised nearly £11,000, and I’m incredibly grateful to every single person who has donated. I never imagined I’d reach this amount. Nearly £6,000 of the money raised came from a quiz night and raffle held in our village. My parents have lived in our village for their entire married life, and our family were amazed by the generosity and encouragement of local businesses and the community. I can honestly say that the enormous support I have received along my running journey will be on my mind while running every one of the 26 miles in London.
Finally, I hope that the money raised will help LOROS to continue to provide outstanding palliative care for families in the local community, something I know Mum would be very proud of.”
