13 April 2026
Meet Becky
Becky is a clinical psychologist and lives in Enfield with her partner Tim and their two sons, Louis and Ivor.
Running to Remember
Becky is running the London Marathon for Noah’s Ark as her son, Ivor, was in the same class as Emma, who was supported by the hospice.
We started to support Emma and her family in 2023, after Emma was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in 2022. Emma had nine rounds of chemotherapy and 28 sessions of radiotherapy which seemed to be working well but then Emma developed a new tumour. Emma received a treatment called AMORE (Ablative surgery, Mould technique brachytherapy and Surgical Reconstruction) in the Netherlands after recommendations from clinicians but after a few months of recovery, her cancer returned and she died on the 5th of December 2025 when she was six. We provided the family with Family Link Services, Volunteer Support, Specialist Play, Family Activities, Holistic Therapies, Nursing and Specialist Care and visits to our Holiday Lodge.
Becky says: “All the children at Ivor and Emma’s school knew that she had cancer. The school was very supportive and delivered a message to the children that Emma’s treatment had stopped working and that she was going to have to leave school, but she was being looked after at Noah's Ark, she was safe and she was being cared for. They showed pictures of The Ark and Emma’s bedroom and reassured the children that she was with her mummy and daddy and her little sister. It was such a clear and containing message that really took the fear out of it for the children.”
Becky talks about learning about Noah’s Ark and the support we provide. She says: “When Emma died in December, her parents wrote this amazingly beautiful piece about Emma, but also about the care that they received at Noah's Ark. They described the gift they gave Emma’s family of precious time together in her final days and how peaceful and comfortable she was. I was blown away that services like that exist to give families what they need. What better motivation to raise money.” Becky also reflects on Emma’s personality and says: “She was so effervescent, such a joyful little girl that everyone was drawn to.”
Becky isn’t a marathon runner and is relatively new to running. She says: “I did a couch to 5K about two years ago and then joined Enfield Chasers, a running club. I got to 5K, then 8K, then 10K and then a half marathon last summer and absolutely hated every single step of it. But I booked another one and that was much better. I entered the London Marathon ballot but knew I wasn’t going to get a spot and then at the running club’s Christmas Party they had a draw for the one place they had been given and out pops my name. I reacted with a mix of horror and excitement and because I knew everyone else in the club wanted that place, I knew I had to do it and it was December, so I had to wake up the next morning and start a training block.
Embracing the Challenge
Becky has grown to love running. She says: “It’s been my first grown-up hobby after having kids, the first thing I've done for myself after coming out the mire of early childhood and early parenting. Joining the club has been key for me; running every week, with a group of people at whatever pace you like. I’ve also got the kids running as well so we go out as a family quite a bit. I just love the headspace and the feeling afterwards of having done something.”
Becky’s training hasn’t been completely problem-free. Becky explains: “When I started my first training block after I got my place, I went into total anxiety. I downloaded the Runna app, got myself a training plan and suddenly started running lots which was a bit overwhelming as Runna doesn't really take into account the fact that you are a woman who's not in their 20s. It thinks you’re a 20-year-old man who wants to run as fast as they possibly can, which I don't. It was a bit too aggressive for me, and I ended up with an ankle injury in week four, which sent me into a spin that I wasn’t going to be able to do it. I took two weeks off, toned down my training plan and I've been basically okay since then. I had to find that middle ground of preparing myself properly but not injuring myself. And some new trainers helped as well.”
Becky talks about what keeps her running. She says: “80s music in my ears and knowing that I’m raising money for an amazing charity has definitely motivated me to do it and to want to do it. I’ve also involved all the kids from Emma’s class; I’m going to be running with Emma’s Ark drawn on my running shirt that lots of the kids from the class have drawn a little animal to stick on, so they’re all going to be running with me on the day. I also want Emma’s parents to know that she's part of the class still and the kids still talk about her and miss her – she’s not forgotten.”
The Support Behind Each Stride
Becky is looking forward to the big day. She says: “I've supported at the London Marathon a few times and it's such an emotional day just to watch so I feel like it might be quite an overwhelming day when you’re taking part but I'm really looking forward to the challenge of it, the privilege of it. I feel so lucky to have a place.”
Noah’s Ark’s Supporter Engagement Officer, Tony Cucchiara, has been supporting Becky through her training and fundraising. Becky says: "I just thought that I would happily set up a fundraising page and be on my merry way, so it’s been a lovely bonus that there's so much support from Noah’s Ark which was unexpected but very lovely.”
Becky hopes to complete the race in four hours but if not just finish, and most of all enjoy it.
Whatever time she takes, she’s incredible and Noah’s Ark will be cheering her all the way.
