Roscoe Carter-Johnson, 32, from Clapham, will take on the London Marathon this year in support of Leukaemia Care, inspired by the remarkable survival story of his close friend Raphael Cristini.
Roscoe, a business development manager at Trident Trust, decided to run the world-famous 26.2-mile race after watching Raphael battle acute lymphoblastic leukaemia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raphael, now 36 and in remission, was living in South Africa when he was first diagnosed. At one point doctors told him he had just 10 days to live. Determined to keep fighting, he travelled to France during the pandemic to receive specialist treatment.
For three years Raphael underwent treatment in isolation due to COVID restrictions, eventually receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his brother, who was a match.
Roscoe said his friend’s experience was the driving force behind his decision to fundraise. He said: “I still find it unbelievable that Raphael is with us today, given the initial prognosis and journey. His story motivated me to help Leukaemia Care and raise awareness for people facing blood cancer.”
Alongside marathon training, Roscoe has found creative ways to boost fundraising, including promoting the challenge through his podcast, Diet Starts Monday.
If he reaches his fundraising target, Roscoe is also planning an extraordinary follow-up challenge just a week after the marathon by running an ultra marathon in Inverness, Scotland – where he will continue to wear the colours of Leukaemia Care.
Despite the physical challenge ahead, Roscoe says training has been the most enjoyable part of the journey.
“I love the training – it’s my favourite part. It’s a chance to push myself and stay focused on the bigger purpose behind what I’m doing. This will be my first single marathon event and it’s the biggest in the world.
“In addition I get to help people in need, raise awareness for leukaemia patients and push myself to extreme limits at the same time. The mantra behind Diet Starts Monday is to stop negotiating with yourself and go after it. This is me doing it.”
Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, said: “Stories like Raphael’s highlight both the devastating impact of blood cancer and the incredible resilience of those who face it. We are hugely grateful to Roscoe for taking on the London Marathon to support our work and raise awareness.
“The funds he raises will help us continue providing vital information, emotional support and advocacy for people affected by leukaemia and other blood cancers. We wish him well on April 26, and look forward to cheering him across the finish line”
Funds raised through Roscoe’s challenge will support Leukaemia Care’s work helping people navigate diagnosis, treatment and life beyond blood cancer.
To support Roscoe’s marathon challenge, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roscoecarter-johnson
