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Over one million individuals applied for the 2026 London Marathon, but Andy Spary was not among them.

At this point, the ex-semi-professional skater from Tunbridge Wells, southern London, had recently received a diagnosis that would significantly affect his life.

In 2024, he was receiving a medical procedure that was initially believed to be an abscess related to his Crohn’s disease. Physicians advised him to have an MRI, starting by telling him “there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.”

The infection was found to be stage three colon cancer, a rare form, situated in the region of his buttocks.

Two years later, Andy completed his first marathon everin London in three hours and 25 minutes.

During the period from the diagnosis until the race, he followed a rigorous treatment regimen consisting of a stoma operation, multiple months of chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiation therapy.

Movement is recovery

But he never ceased to run.

“I underwent chemotherapy every two weeks. I would get it on a Wednesday, feel completely awful by Friday, but after a few days, the effects would subside and I’d be back to running,” he said to Health.

At that time, Andy posted about his experiences on social media, honestly discussing the tough times while staying mostly positive.

“I’m usually quite open about things. I believe that’s the best approach rather than keeping yourself isolated,” he stated. The positive feedback he received online, he adds, further enhanced his gratitude for the support from his wife, family, and friends.

Subsequently, 11 months prior, he had extensive surgery to eliminate the cancer, involving sections of his colon, rectum, and adjacent tissues, succeeded by corrective procedures.

Initially, he couldn’t even reach his feet or walk correctly, but within three or four months, he resumed wearing his running shoes and prepared for two half-marathons and the London Marathon.

A few weeks following his diagnosis, but prior to the operation, a friend shared information with him about a nonprofit organization that supports young individuals battling cancer at any point in their treatment by promoting physical activity.

Physical activity and connection

And although he had consistently been physically active, engaging in activities with others of his age throughTrekstockInitially through FaceTime, it was a pleasant and seamless entry into recovery.

Through the charity, Andy obtained a spot in the London Marathon and launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has collected more than £4,000 to date (approximately €4,700).

Andy, a carpenter by profession, mentioned his desire to question widely held beliefs about a condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent in modern times.

“There remains a significant stigma associated with cancer and death, as historically, it was frequently seen as a fatal diagnosis. However, this should no longer be the case,” he stated.

Due to swift advancements in medical science, results are evolving.

There have been numerous improvements in treatments and therapies recently. The rate of recovery has increased significantly.

Caution indicators to watch for

Although the incidence of bowel cancer is increasing among younger individuals, he encourages others to seek medical evaluation if they experience symptoms like pain, blood in their stool, or alterations in bowel movements; although these indicators may not always point to cancer, early identification can significantly impact outcomes.

For Andy, overcoming cancer was a combination of mental strength, a solid support system, belief in the treatment plan, and a mindset developed through years of recovering from severe skateboarding accidents, such as a broken skull.

He mentioned that recovery following surgery may last as long as 18 months and might not be entirely finished, but after completing the marathon, he stated, “I feel like I’m pretty much there.”