Edinburgh dad of two limbers up for marathon challenge after beating cancer

A father-of-two from the Capital is preparing for a gruelling charity marathon challenge four years after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article.

Neil Woodley is preparing to run the London Marathon this October in support of Edinburgh-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research.

The 38-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 2017, and was treated at the city’s Western General hospital before being given the all-clear by summer 2017.

In training: Neil with sons Joel, two and six-year-old Arlo

READ MORE: Edinburgh man set to run 12 marathons in 12 days for Marie Curie hospice

Neil said: "Running the London Marathon is firmly on my bucket list so it’s a real milestone for me. And I’m especially proud to join the growing number of Curestarters who are supporting Worldwide Cancer Research with their incredible fundraising efforts.

“Every step along the route means we’re one step closer to helping people that are living with cancer – that’s what will keep me going.”

Neil underwent surgery and one course of chemotherapy as part of his treatment, and his experience made him want to do more to help advance cancer research, so he began volunteering for a cancer charity and later joined Worldwide Cancer Research in 2020 as Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.

With marathon training in full flow, Neil plans to join the charity’s 25-strong team of runners in London in October to help raise thousands to fund new cancer cures and support colleagues in their quest to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

READ MORE: Three stone weight loss leads to Edinburgh father's marathon success

Worldwide Cancer Research is the UK’s only cancer charity which starts and funds new cancer cures across the globe.

Neil added "I love being part of the team at Worldwide Cancer Research. Not only am I right at the heart of the charity’s ambitious journey to start cancer cures by funding new and ground-breaking research projects, but I'm helping create a world without cancer - for me and my family but also for society as a whole. It's an amazing feeling.

To support Neil's fundraising, go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilWoodley

Picture caption: Neil Woodley from Edinburgh pictured with sons Arlo (6) and Joel (2) as he prepares to run his first marathon in support of Worldwide Cancer Research, four years after his own cancer diagnosis.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.