Lads Against Lymphoma: Friends Take on Altra Yorkshire Marathon After Freddie’s Cancer Battle
29 July 2026
In July last year, at just 22 years old, Freddie was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. The news sent shockwaves through his close-knit friendship group, who had no idea that anything was seriously wrong.
Daniel, one of Freddie's friends, said it wasn't until the group were on holiday together that they realised something might be amiss. Almost overnight, a lump appeared on Freddie's neck, prompting him to seek medical advice and eventually leading to his diagnosis.
Daniel said: "within a matter of weeks, our lives changed completely. Over the following months, we watched Freddie face one of the toughest challenges imaginable with courage, resilience and positivity. Through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he never lost his determination, even on the hardest days."
Throughout his treatment, Teenage Cancer Trust played a vital role in supporting Freddie. Their dedicated young person's chemotherapy unit gave him the opportunity to receive treatment alongside people his own age, while youth workers provided invaluable emotional support and helped make an incredibly difficult experience feel that little bit easier.
After months of treatment, Freddie finally received the news he and his loved ones had been hoping for. His scans showed no evidence of cancer, and he entered remission.
Reflecting on that moment, Daniel said: "as soon as we heard the news, the five of us knew we wanted to celebrate in a way that would also give something back."
Determined to turn their gratitude into action, the friendship group signed up to take on the Altra Yorkshire Marathon together, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust to help ensure other young people facing cancer can access the same incredible care and support that Freddie received.
Alongside their marathon challenge, the group also launched Lads Against Lymphoma, a social media platform dedicated to documenting their fundraising journey, raising awareness of lymphoma and highlighting the reality that cancer can affect young people too.
Daniel said: "Freddie's diagnosis came completely out of the blue and reminded us all that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their age or fitness." By sharing their story, the group hopes to encourage others to take changes in their health seriously and seek medical advice if something doesn't feel right.
Throughout his treatment, Teenage Cancer Trust played a vital role in supporting Freddie. Their dedicated young person's chemotherapy unit gave him the opportunity to receive treatment alongside people his own age, while youth workers provided invaluable emotional support and helped make an incredibly difficult experience feel that little bit easier.
After months of treatment, Freddie finally received the news he and his loved ones had been hoping for. His scans showed no evidence of cancer, and he entered remission.
Reflecting on that moment, Daniel said: "as soon as we heard the news, the five of us knew we wanted to celebrate in a way that would also give something back."
Determined to turn their gratitude into action, the friendship group signed up to take on the Altra Yorkshire Marathon together, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust to help ensure other young people facing cancer can access the same incredible care and support that Freddie received.
Alongside their marathon challenge, the group also launched Lads Against Lymphoma, a social media platform dedicated to documenting their fundraising journey, raising awareness of lymphoma and highlighting the reality that cancer can affect young people too.
Daniel said: "Freddie's diagnosis came completely out of the blue and reminded us all that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their age or fitness." By sharing their story, the group hopes to encourage others to take changes in their health seriously and seek medical advice if something doesn't feel right.
What makes the challenge even more special is that Freddie won't be cheering from the sidelines. Having come through treatment and into remission, he will be joining his friends on the start line and running every step of the marathon alongside them.
Looking ahead to race day, the group know the finish line will represent far more than the end of 26.2 miles. As Daniel explains, crossing it together will be a celebration of Freddie's recovery, a thank you to Teenage Cancer Trust, and a reminder of what can be achieved with the support of friends, family and an incredible charity.
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