Sam, Amelia and Ethan - London Marathon Fundraiser

We intend to push ourselves to the mental, physical and emotional limit all in an effort to cross the finish line and raise as much money for CRUK and the Luke Hart Foundation as possible!

In memory of

Luke Hart

My Story

In memory of Luke Hart 7th Oct 1972 - 22nd Jan 2023 On April 26th 2026 Sam Hart, Amelia Bird and Ethan Taylor will be taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for cancer research and to honour the memory of Luke Hart, Sam’s father, who died of Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in January 2023. This event will be the first time the three runners will have ever run a marathon and they are all dedicated to train hard with a commitment to conquer this testing feat. Each of the runners are aiming to raise at least £2500 each in an effort to help combat this horrific disease, which has had such a life changing effect on the individual runners and so many others. We greatly appreciate any donations that can be made to this page, it means the world to us as a foundation, no matter the size. The three runners have written a short paragraph below on why this event means so much to them: Sam: Since my father’s passing I have spent a good amount of time reflecting on his life, his memory is with me always, but I’m particularly reminded of the life lessons he has taught me through actions I find myself taking every day. I have spoken of his courage, but no amount of words spoken or speeches written can truly reflect the amount of strength he had. Through years of chemotherapy, fluctuating weight and setbacks, he never lost the spark of who he was or how he wanted us to see him. Through every attempted offer of help and sympathy he would never falter, always replying with remarks like “it could be worse” or “we will get through this,” alongside his core installed belief that in sometimes in life you have to “play with the cards you are delt.” This unimaginable characteristic that my father possessed inspires me to strive for more, and that is what this marathon represents for me. I have never been a runner. Prior to 2025 I have never even run more than 5km in less than half an hour. But I want to prove to myself and to others that I carry my father through me, not just through similarity of looks, but also through an attempt to carry forward his fortitude. My father is, and always will be, one of the most important and inspiring individuals in my life. If I can muster even a fraction of the strength dad had during his many years of fight with cancer, I know that I will be able to complete this marathon with ease. Amelia: Taking on the London marathon next year is an incredible physical challenge, especially because the two i’m running with have legs twice the length of mine, and one of their steps equals roughly four times mine! Training for the marathon comes with the greatest motivation of raising money for a fantastic cause on behalf of the Luke Hart Foundation, I’ve only seen a handful of the incredible work that the foundation does, and now being able to be a part of the success and pure greatness of the foundation is truly special. Like so many, my life has been deeply touched by cancer. It is a word that has shaken families, paused futures, and rewritten stories. I am running for those still fighting, for those who fought bravely, and for a future where fewer lives are disrupted by this devastating disease. Each step I take will be fuelled by purpose, by the memory of those we carry in our hearts, and by the hope that, together, we can change the stories of those affected by cancer. Cancer Research UK is at the forefront of groundbreaking science, driving innovations that save lives, extend time, and offer hope where once there was none. By donating, you're not just supporting me on race day, you’re accelerating life-saving breakthroughs that could one day benefit someone you know. Ethan: Having been lucky enough to know the Harts for over half my life, Luke was always a friend and mentor. From him I learned the importance of hard work, determination, and compassion, as well as him recommending countless films and songs that have had a real impact on me. The effort required for the training itself and the physical hardship of running a marathon will prove to be a massive challenge for me, but it is an obstacle that is worth overcoming for Luke and the foundation. The Harts have always supported me through their kindness and generosity and I want to do whatever I can to support them. While I intend this to be the start of many events I do for the Foundation, I am excited to run with Sam and Amelia, knowing I will cross the finish line listening to Ben Howard, thinking of Luke. Luke’s story: Luke developed cancer in 2018…and fought a battle for almost five years until it finally took his life early in 2023. He was 50 years old and, until he was diagnosed, was a very fit man. Luke was a warm and caring family man who held his head high and lived life to the full until the end, but despite all his efforts to combat the progression of the disease, there was no cure. He left behind a loving wife, 2 children, family and hundreds of friends and colleagues who miss him. Please help us raise funds for Cancer Research UK to support vital research and development.