IT is now just seven weeks until the London Marathon of 2026.

So we thought we would take this opportunity to speak to some of the Harlow residents who are taking on all 26 miles and 385 yards.

One such person is Ruby White Speller.

Ruby told us: “I’m running the London Marathon for target ovarian cancer.

“I’m running in memory of my mum, Rae Harbird – a brilliant computer scientist, a hands-on nanny, and a truly one-of-a-kind mum. Like so many families affected by this disease, we lost her far too soon. Mum was just 60 when she died from ovarian cancer, five days before her final grandchild,  my youngest, Cassie arrived. 

Mum was an adventurer, she travelled round the world with me and Ella when we both went travelling, meeting us in Thailand, Brazil, New York, Guatemala and Australia and if we asked her to meet us anywhere – she’d always say yes. I’m not too sure I want to run 26 miles – but I know that if mum were here – she’d be saying yes for me. So here goes! 

“Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it has very few symptoms in its early stages. As a result, many people are only diagnosed once the disease has already progressed. That’s why Target Ovarian Cancer’s work is so vital – improving early diagnosis, raising symptom awareness, and supporting everyone affected by ovarian cancer.

“By supporting my fundraising, you’ll be helping to change outcomes for future families and honour the memory of someone who meant the world to me. Together, we can help transform the future for everyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer”.

Ruby has told us the training is going well with 25k conquered at the weekend.

If you would like to sponsor Ruby then more details can be found below.

https://join.targetovariancancer.org.uk/fundraisers/rubywhitespeller

We will catch up with Ruby in early April.