Cancer Survivor Runs London Marathon in 3 Hours 25 Minutes

When Andy Spary learned he had stage three colon cancer in 2024, he made a choice that would reshape his recovery: he refused to stop running.

The former semi-professional skater from Tunbridge Wells was 11 months post-surgery when he crossed the London Marathon finish line in three hours and 25 minutes. Between his diagnosis and that triumphant moment, he endured months of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiotherapy, and major surgery to remove parts of his colon and rectum.

But Andy treated movement as medicine. "I'd have chemotherapy on a Wednesday, feel absolutely rotten by Friday, but then after a few days it would wear off and I'd go running again," he told Euronews Health.

What started as a suspected abscess related to his Crohn's disease turned into a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Doctors initially reassured him he shouldn't worry, but the MRI revealed a rare type of colon cancer in his buttocks area.

Andy shared his journey openly on social media, posting about the hard days while staying optimistic. His transparency attracted support from strangers online and deepened his appreciation for his wife, family, and friends who stood by him.

Through the cancer charity Trekstock, which helps young people with cancer stay active, Andy found community. Exercising with others his age, even via FaceTime at first, became a smooth pathway to recovery.

Just three to four months after major surgery that left him unable to touch his feet or walk properly, Andy laced up his running shoes again. He trained for two half-marathons before tackling his first full marathon, raising over £4,000 for Trekstock through a GoFundMe campaign.

Why This Inspires

Andy's story challenges old assumptions about cancer. "There is still a big stigma around cancer and death, because in the past, it was often a death sentence. But that shouldn't be the case anymore," he explains.

With advances in treatments and therapies, recovery rates are climbing. Andy credits his success to mental resilience, a strong support network, trust in his medical team, and a mindset shaped by years of bouncing back from serious skateboarding injuries, including a fractured skull.

He urges younger people to watch for warning signs like pain, blood in stool, or changes in bowel habits. While these symptoms don't always mean cancer, early detection makes a crucial difference as bowel cancer rates rise among young adults.

After crossing that finish line, Andy said he feels "pretty much there" in his recovery, though doctors note the full healing process can take up to 18 months. For a man who turned chemotherapy cycles into training schedules, finishing strong was never in doubt.