TCS LONDON MARATHON 2027
WE HAVE OUR RUNNERS!
Sasha Would’ve Loved It has been allocated 5 spaces for the upcoming London Marathon. After our success of Marathon runner Amy representing the charity in 2026, we are now on the hunt for our next round of applicants.
We are honoured to introduce our 5 runners, Gareth Churcher, Kaiden Symons, Aimee O’Connell, Maddie Brown & Keita Watson.
2027 being the first time the London Marathon to be ran over 2 days, all five of our runners will be putting themselves to the challenge on Saturday 24th April 2027. We have no doubt they’re going to do amazing and all have already started their training!
To read all of our applicants stories as to why they have chosen to represent our charity please keep scrolling to get to know them all as individuals.
OUR 2027 TCS LONDON MARATHON RUNNERS
Gareth Churcher
Kaidan Symons
Aimee O’Connell
Maddie Brown
Keita Watson
GARETH CHURCHER’s story
I’m incredibly excited (and perhaps a little nervous!) to have secured a place in the 2027 London Marathon, raising money for the wonderful Cornish charity Sasha Would’ve Loved It.
The charity was established in memory of Sasha Michelle Watson, who sadly lost her life to cancer in 2015, shortly after her 19th birthday.
Sasha had an incredible zest for life, and her family have continued her legacy by supporting teenagers in Cornwall who are facing their own cancer journeys. Through practical and financial support, special experiences and opportunities to make lasting memories, the charity helps young people continue to enjoy life and do the things they love, even during the most difficult times.
Having spent many years working with children and young people across Cornwall, this is a cause that really resonates with me.
I’ve always enjoyed an endurance challenge and have completed several Ironman triathlons over the years. However, despite having run the marathon distance as part of an Ironman, I’ve never actually run a standalone marathon!
So London 2027 will be a completely new challenge, and one i’m both excited and slightly terrified to take on!
There will undoubtedly be plenty of early mornings, long training runs, aching legs and moments when I wonder what on earth ive signed myself up for. But knowing that every mile is helping such a wonderful local charity will make it all worthwhile.
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing my training journey and hopefully organising some fundraising activities along the way.
Thank you so much for your kindness, encouragement and support.
Here’s to 26.2 miles, my first marathon and making every step count for Sasha!
kaidan symons story
I’m honoured to announce that i’ll be running the London Marathon, raising money for Sasha Would’ve Loved It, an amazing local charity that supports teenagers with cancer.
Most people won’t know this, but a few years ago, my little brother was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer at just 22 years old. He spent almost an entire year in hospital, undergoing back to back intensive treatments and surgeries.
Kealan is now cancer free and, incredibly, has spent the last year building a successful business and pushing himself physically, including recently climbing Mount Snowdon.
I’ll be running the London Marathon to raise money for an incredible cause, but also to show just how much respect and admiration I have for my little brother and everything he’s overcome.
Love you, Keas
AIMEE O’CONNELL’S STORY
I’m proud to share that in April 2027, I’ll be running the London Marathon for Sasha Would’ve Loved It, an incredible charity that supports teenagers in Cornwall living with cancer.
At just 17, Sasha was diagnosed with fibrolamellar, a rare form of liver cancer. Though I never had the opportunity to meet Sasha myself, through my friendship with her sister, Keita, I’ve seen the incredible work and dedication that have gone into building the charity to what it is today. Sasha Would’ve Loved It supports young people and their families through some of the most difficult times imaginable.
I feel incredibly proud to be raising money and awareness for such a special cause, and I know it will motivate me through every single mile.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Sasha’s legacy.
See you at the finish line!
MADDIE BROWN’S STORY
Running the London Marathon for Sasha Would’ve Loved It means so much more to me than completing 26.2 miles.
Inspired by Sasha’s courage, determination and love of life, Sasha Would’ve Loved It was created to support teenagers in Cornwall throughout their cancer journey, helping with everything from hospital travel and family support to creating special experiences and opportunities that remind young people that life doesn’t stop because of a diagnosis. I’ve been fortunate enough to see first-hand the incredible impact this charity has on local families over the space of the last 10 years. Sasha lost her battle with fibrolamellar at just 19 years old, but her spirit continues to make a difference to so many others through this amazing charity.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love a challenge, and running has become one of my favourite ways to push myself both physically and mentally. Taking on the London Marathon is an incredible opportunity for me to combine something I love with a cause that is deeply personal to me. Knowing I’ll be helping to contribute towards families receiving support during their toughest times imaginable will not only keep my 5ft legs running 26.2 miles but ( I hope ) also inspire others to do similar.
Anything you’re able to give would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
KEITA WATSON’S STORY
Sash & I
The most running I’ve probably ever seen Sasha do is chasing me round the house thinking I’ve stolen something of hers, probably leads to why I became accustomed to running.
Why I’m running the London Marathon for Sasha Would’ve Loved It is simple, to raise as much money and awareness as possible for such a great cause. Sasha was a force of nature all the way through her life, empowering her to face her cancer battle head on so courageously at such a young and transformative age. Experiencing first-hand just how much charities helped along Sasha’s journey has pushed me to give back, to help in ways an unimaginable time was made bearable.
Sash lost her battle at 19 years old, a 2 year hard fought fight and never once did she loose her spirit. She remained still the scariest older sister she always was and someone I always tried to live up to. She’ll forever be the best big sister out there.
Running 26.2 miles out of my comfort zone of a lovely 5k around the sea front is the least I can do in comparison to Sasha’s fight. I would say she will be right there with me every step of the way, but in reality it’s a lie, Sasha hated running, so I will know for sure she’ll be watching from the sidelines with a pint laughing at why on earth anyone would run 26.2 miles for fun.
This one’s for you Sash!