Jasmine Foster

My reason why

In 2027, I will be running the London Marathon for my dad — a man who has faced more than most could ever imagine, yet continues to fight every single day.

In June 2003, my dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Over the following months, he underwent two major operations, resulting in the complete removal of his thyroid and parathyroid glands. This not only changed his health forever, but also led to the loss of his career in the Royal Navy — something he was incredibly proud of.

Since then, his journey has been one of relentless challenges. He has lived with ongoing heart complications linked to hormone imbalances, and in 2023, he was diagnosed with a macroadenoma — a tumour on his pituitary gland. He underwent neurosurgery in 2024 to remove it, but the aftermath has been devastating.

He now lives with severe, life-altering complications: his adrenal gland no longer functions properly, his thyroid and parathyroid issues have worsened, and he suffers from extreme intolerance to heat and cold. Chronic fatigue limits him to walking just 10–15 metres at a time. He has lost his sense of taste and smell, experiences daily headaches that restrict him to one meal a day, and struggles with muscle weakness, wastage, and reduced grip. Even minor stress can overwhelm his body.

Alongside this, he has battled rheumatoid arthritis since 2003 — enduring constant flare-ups, medication intolerance, and years of steroid use. This has led to multiple surgeries, including knee operations, a full knee replacement, spinal surgery in his neck, shoulder surgery, and an ankle fusion.

In July 2023, he also suffered a stroke, leaving him with reduced strength in his left arm and ongoing cognitive challenges such as memory loss, confusion, and brain fog. He has also battled pneumonia and the weight of depression throughout this journey — struggles that are often unseen, but just as real.

And despite everything, he still hasn’t had the chance to meet his granddaughter — something no family should have to endure.

And yet — he keeps going.

This marathon is not just a race. It’s a tribute to his strength, his resilience, and everything he has endured. It’s for every moment he has pushed through pain, every setback he has faced, and every day he continues to fight.

I will be running to raise awareness and funds for those facing cancer, neurological conditions, chronic illness, and mental health struggles — because no one should have to go through this alone.

Every mile I run is for him.

If you can support in any way, whether through a donation or simply sharing this page, it would mean the world. Thank you for helping me honour my dad and support others facing similar battles.