Friends Louise Looney and Emma Campbell, who ran the London Marathon last year, are set to face the 26.2-mile course again on Sunday

WAVES of amateur runners will be slogging along the capital’s streets on Sunday as the grand showpiece that is the London Marathon returns.

Some 50,000 people are expected to tackle the world-famous 26.2-mile course, which begins in Greenwich, and passes by landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, the Shard, Canary Wharf and the London Eye.

Then comes the final push along Westminster, with participants passing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before a final flourish along The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

And in the mix hoping to better last year’s effort of five hours, 23 minutes will be close friends Louise Looney and Emma Campbell.

The duo will be running to raise money for Brain Research UK, a cause very close to Louise’s heart after she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer three years ago.

“In 2019 I suffered an unexpected seizure which unfortunately led to the diagnosis of a grade 2 diffuse astrocytoma, which is a rare form of brain cancer found mainly in young adults,” said the 36-year-old, who lives in Gospel Oak.

“This tumour always unfortunately develops into a glioblastoma where the survival rate at grade 4 is only roughly 18 months post-diagnosis.

“Last year we ran the marathon and raised an incredible amount of money for Brain Research UK. The money raised was directly invested into a research programme to help find a cure for my type of tumour, specifically
trying to find a treatment to stop these tumours developing to grades 3 or 4.”

Louise’s condition has thankfully since stabilised. Explaining the importance that running has had on her recovery, the senior sister who works in A&E at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, added: “Running has been a massive part of my recovery and has become my therapy to help me cope and deal with my emotions.

“Obviously taking on a marathon is a massive challenge. We found out last year that it comes with many ups and downs, injuries and setbacks, but we are determined and promise to drag our backsides around the course once again for this incredible cause.”

Echoing the “positive impact” that training has had on their mental health, Emma, who lives in Kentish Town, said: “Our first London Marathon last year was magical and we had amazing support from all our family and friends.

“Unfortunately I lost my mum suddenly just two weeks later. Training has massively helped me get through the last year, and I’m proud to be running again with my biggest inspiration, Louise, by my side.”

• To support Louise and Emma in their goal of raising money for Brain Research UK visit https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com