Oxfordshire mum with terminal cancer set to run London Marathon

Demirtges recently underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy, however, she said the cancer has since spread to her lungs.

She said she was remaining positive, adding that being able to run and be active felt like “such a gift”.

Speaking to Radio Oxford, she said: “For me, the London Marathon is a huge challenge and something massively outside my comfort zone but I’ve spent quite a lot of time in hospitals over the past few years… I feel really lucky to be able to run.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a natural runner by any stretch of the imagination but I’m running for me, for my family, for my two boys James and Ed, and just to prove to us all and to anyone affected by cancer that you can’t be held back by things and you can still set wild goals and you should always try.”

The mum said the Oxford branch of Maggie’s, external, based next to the Churchill Hospital, had made a “massive difference” to her.

“It’s like a sanctuary, it’s beautifully designed and the people in there are just absolutely incredible,” she said.

“They’ve supported me for years and, by going there, I’ve met amazing people with cancer and their families and I’ve had great advice.

“Fundraising for Maggie’s is just my way of giving a little something back to them for being so amazing.”