Shivana's Story "I just kept looking at my medal at the end and crying, knowing that it was all for my Aunty"

Shivana ran the 2026 London Marathon for her aunt, who sadly died in 2023 from ovarian cancer. 

After securing her place in the coveted London Marathon through a workplace ballot, Shivana opted to run in memory of her aunt and all of the other people affected by ovarian cancer – raising money for Ovarian Cancer Action. 

Despite the scorching April heat, she absolutely smashed the London Marathon!  

Here, Shivana tells us why running for Ovarian Cancer Action was so important to her, as well as tips and tricks to push through training - even if you don’t feel like a “proper runner”.

“In 2025, I volunteered at the London Marathon. I was watching all the runners go past and thought to myself, if they can do it, why can’t I? There were people of all ages and fitness abilities, yet it was the most electric and inspiring atmosphere I've ever been in.

I entered a workplace ballot, not really thinking anything of it but I won and got a spot!

Before I even entered, I knew that I wanted to run for Ovarian Cancer Action, as my beloved Aunty had passed away from ovarian cancer in 2023.

When I got my place, there was a lot of disbelief in whether or not I'd be able to complete the marathon, or what even drove me to put my name in the ballot, considering I am not a runner. But I knew this was something I wanted to do and it felt like the stars had aligned to make this happen."

“I’m not a runner by nature at all, but the marathon really is a 50/50 battle between mind, body and motivation is just such a powerful tool.

Training was hard, but I tried to not be hard on myself if I missed a run (or two).

Something I found that really helped was whenever I completed a run is that I would say something kind to myself, sometimes out loud, sometimes just in my mind. It reinforced that I could do this, that I was doing this, and that I was doing okay.

It's so easy to feel alone in marathon training, and the support from Ovarian Cancer Action and my friends and family really helped.

The support I received from the team was such a huge boost in such a difficult journey.

It’s so easy to feel alone when training for a marathon with all the hours put into long runs and training, but every time you get a donation or a message from the team it reminds you that it’s all worth it. From the Christmas cards to the Spotify playlists, Team OCA were there every step of the way supporting us.”

“Running the actual marathon was like nothing else I've ever done. I’m a Londoner through and through so it was amazing to see all the cultures of our city celebrating the best of humanity.

There were just so many incredible experiences. I started the race with a close friend and we had one of those real girlhood moments, plaiting and putting gems in our hair with the colours of our charities.

Seeing my family scattered through the race was so motivating, but seeing them on Embankment was just unforgettable.”

“There’s no feeling that compares to crossing the finish line (except maybe getting my pink medal!)

I just kept looking at my medal at the end and crying, knowing that it was all for my Aunty who would never get to see me cross the finish line, but would be the very reason and strength that carried me through the race.

If you are thinking about running the London Marathon for Ovarian Cancer Action, do it.”