A Marchwood man who can’t remember a time when cancer wasn't a part of his family life will run the TCS London Marathon for Cancer Research UK, inspired by his parents who are both living with the disease.

Louis Rehman was just five when mum Heidi, 52, was first diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2016, having just completed the London Marathon herself, she discovered her cancer had returned and was incurable.

In 2022 Louis’s dad, Jim, 56, was told he had testicular cancer. He received surgery and chemotherapy which put him in remission but has once again been receiving treatment after the cancer re-appeared in his neck.

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Louis, who will be running for Cancer Research UK, said: "It’s been a complete rollercoaster of emotions. You never expect cancer to touch your family but to watch both your parents have to face it is heart-breaking.

“As tough as it’s been, it’s inspirational too because it’s made me determined to do my bit. The training has been tough but what mum and dad are going through is tougher.

"I’ll be thinking of them both throughout the marathon and I think seeing them at the different Cancer Research UK cheer points will give me the boost I need to keep going. Even on my training runs I’m thinking of them, especially the harder miles. It gives me more motivation to keep running.

"Seeing what they’ve both gone through will definitely help me over the finish line."

(Image: Stuart Martin/ Cancer Research UK) Heidi completed her first marathon after receiving a mastectomy and radiotherapy following her initial cancer diagnosis at the age of 34. She had just finished the London Marathon eight years ago when she found out her breast cancer had spread to her clavicle, lungs and chest wall and had become incurable.

Louis was just about to sit his GCSEs when he discovered his mum's cancer was terminal. He's grateful to still have her in his life looking and feeling amazing. A change of career has also allowed him to spend more time with his dad since his diagnosis and during chemotherapy. 

Heidi added: "Louis has been so committed and it means so much to us as a family that he’s been so pro-active, positive and doing something so healthy. We’re just bursting with pride.”

To sponsor Louis, viisit justgiving.com/page/louis-rehman-2