On your marks, get set, go! Meet some of our Team CF London Marathon runners

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On Sunday 2 October, tens of thousands of people will be limbering up for the TCS London Marathon! Among those taking part will be Mayara, Robyn, and Jennifer, three amazing runners from Team CF. With the countdown well and truly on, we caught up with the trio to find out how their training is going and their motivations for taking part.

Photo of Mayara

Mayara’s story

Mayara is a physiotherapist and researcher working in public health. While completing her PhD at one of our Strategic Research Centres, Mayara saw the difference the Trust makes to families living with CF across the UK. “These families were always having to deal with so much, yet they always showed an incredible drive, love and unity, and that made me want to be a better version of myself,” Mayara says.

“Through my work as a CF researcher, I saw first-hand how the Trust always put the interests of families first. They make sure they are listening to the CF community and translating their feedback into action.”

Mayara was due to take on the London Marathon last year, but complications from COVID-19 meant she had to defer her place to 2022. With race day fast approaching, training is getting tough, Mayara admits, but she’s still feeling really excited for the big day. “I’m hoping to make all the amazing people who have donated and the Trust proud on race day! In the tough moments, the amazing CF community keep me going.

“To me, making sure that everyone with CF can live a life unlimited is the main goal. The only way to achieve this is by investing in research and treatments.”

Photo of Jennifer

Jennifer’s story

Jennifer started running after her son Theo’s CF diagnosis – and hasn’t looked back since! “It was partly for my own physical and mental health, but mainly also to set a good example for my sons,” she says. “They are both now regular junior parkrunners, as well as being my most vocal supporters during races!”

Over the years, Jennifer has found the Trust’s information and support invaluable, which is one of the reasons she was inspired to fundraise. “We have felt their support via the website, via the Helpline and all of the resources available to help us as Theo progresses through each stage in life.

“We are also so hugely grateful for the life-changing drugs that Theo can now receive, and we want to make sure that progress continues.”

Robyn running on the beach

Robyn’s story

When Robyn was on the waiting for list for a transplant, she promised herself two things: “That I would run a marathon if I got a transplant; and that I would raise as much money as I could for Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

In 2015, Robyn received her double lung transplant. She started running to “exercise my new lungs”, and seven years later, here she is, preparing to run her first London Marathon for the Trust! “When I heard that I had got a place I was overjoyed... and also a little apprehensive,” she remembers.

“Even now, seven years after my transplant, I feel incredibly lucky to be here and to be so well. During a tough training run my thoughts often turn to what life was like for me before my transplant and, of course, my donor and their family.”

Robyn hopes the money she raises will help bring forward the day when everyone with CF can live a life unlimited. “The Trust is such an amazing charity for the diverse work that they do to support people with CF and their families. Any amount of money raised for them will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people.”

We’d like to say a big thank you and good luck to all our Team CF London Marathon runners. You’ve got this!


Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives -and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.

Your donations help us fund vital research. Donate today to help everyone with CF live a life unlimited.

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