Worcestershire-based Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is inviting runners to join Team Ladybird and apply for one of seven exclusive charity places in the iconic 2027 TCS London Marathon, offering supporters the chance to take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping children and families affected by childhood cancer.
For one year only, the TCS London Marathon will take place across two days, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, creating a spectacular weekend of running and making the 2027 event one of the biggest in the marathon’s history.
Whether you missed out on a ballot place or have always dreamed of running the London Marathon, Team Ladybird offers the opportunity to be part of one of the world’s greatest sporting events while supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Applications for the Team Ladybird charity places open on Tuesday 14 July 2026 and close on Sunday 9 August 2026.
The Trust has secured eight coveted charity places overall. One place has been reserved for Sarah Tarry, the Trust’s Family Support Manager, who will represent Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust as an Employee Ambassador in the 2027 London Marathon. Sarah’s place recognises her dedication to the charity’s mission and the support she provides to families facing childhood cancer every day, leaving seven Team Ladybird places now open for application.
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust provides practical, financial and emotional support to families across the region, while also funding childhood cancer research and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. As the charity receives no regular statutory funding, fundraising events such as the London Marathon play a vital role in enabling its work to continue. Every mile completed and every pound raised helps fund practical support for families while moving the Trust closer to its vision of a world where no child dies of cancer and no family faces childhood cancer alone.
Successful applicants won’t be taking on the challenge alone. Each member of Team Ladybird will receive dedicated fundraising support, advice and encouragement from their own dedicated Charity Fundraiser, Abbie Bissell-Blazier throughout their marathon journey, helping them reach both the start line and their fundraising goals.
Abbie Bissell-Blazier, Charity Fundraiser at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, said:
“Every year we’re inspired by the incredible people who choose to support us through fundraising challenges, and the London Marathon is one of the most rewarding. We’re looking for seven people to join Team Ladybird, who want to achieve something extraordinary while making a real difference to local families facing childhood cancer.
“You don’t need to be an experienced marathon runner. Whether you’ve always dreamed of running London, want to challenge yourself, or have a personal reason for supporting our charity, we’d love to hear your story. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way.”
With just seven charity places available, the Trust is expecting significant interest and is encouraging anyone considering the challenge to apply early.
Applications close on Sunday 9th August 2026, with successful applicants being notified by Friday 14th August 2026. Successful applicants will pay a £100 registration fee and commit to raising a minimum of £2,000 in support of Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. Running the London Marathon is an achievement many people dream of for years. By joining Team Ladybird in 2027, successful applicants will not only cross one of the world’s most iconic finish lines but also help ensure that children with cancer and their families receive the support they need when it matters most.
Runners are encouraged to apply via the Trust’s online form and share why they’d like to be part of Team Ladybird in the 2027 TCS London Marathon.
Applicants are encouraged to share why they want to run the London Marathon and what supporting children with cancer means to them.
Sarah Tarry, Family Support Manager, who will be running for us next year, says, “Running the London Marathon is something I have always dreamed of doing, but what makes it even more special is that I’ll be running for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust and all the incredible children and families we support. What a fantastic opportunity, and I know the thought of the children’s faces will help carry me across the finish line.”
The Trust would love to hear why you’d like to take on this incredible challenge and what running the London Marathon would mean to you.