Newport personal trainer running London Marathon for Lauren and Bone Cancer Research
A personal trainer from Newport is preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon, to raise vital funds for bone cancer research, in honour of a young woman whose story has deeply inspired him.
Rich Turner will run the 26.2-mile race in April to support Lauren’s Liberty Fund, part of the Bone Cancer Research Trust, a charity dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and supporting people affected by primary bone cancer.
Rich’s motivation is personal. He met Lauren through his partner, Clarissa, and what began as a simple introduction, soon turned into something far more meaningful after learning about the challenges she had faced.
Lauren was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, when she was just 14 years old. Despite enduring intensive treatment and major surgery, she has gone on to rebuild her life and now works full-time while continuing her recovery journey.
Rich said Lauren’s courage and resilience have been nothing short of inspiring.
“I’m running the 2026 TCS London Marathon to raise vital funds for bone cancer research, in honour of Lauren, and for everyone affected by this devastating disease,” he explained.
But for Rich, this challenge is about more than one person.
Primary bone cancer is rare but aggressive, often affecting children, teenagers and young adults, and treatment options remain limited. Research funding for the condition is extremely low compared with other cancers, which is why fundraising efforts like this are so important.
Rich has set himself a fundraising target of at least £2,500, with every pound raised helping to fund research, improve treatments, and provide support to families facing the unimaginable.
He says he feels fortunate to be physically able to run the marathon and wants to use that ability to make a difference.
For him, the early mornings, long training runs and tired legs are a small price to pay when compared to the daily reality faced by families living with cancer. Rich hopes his efforts will help shine a light on bone cancer while raising much-needed funds for research and support.
He added that every donation, no matter the size, brings hope to families affected by the disease, and helps ensure that conditions like bone cancer receive the attention and funding they deserve.
To support Rich’s fundraising efforts, visit his JustGiving page.
Article by: Angie Smith, Presenter at Shropshire Live
