Over the past year, Louie Beausang has undertaken a deeply personal fundraising journey for Blood Cancer UK – one driven by pride, remembrance and the power of collective support.
Inspired by the memory of his dad, who passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in 2009, Louie’s fundraising has been a moving reminder of how much his father meant to so many people. Seeing the care, kindness and generosity shown by others has been hugely heartwarming, and with the support of family, friends and the wider community, Louie has raised more than £12,000 for blood cancer research.
The journey has included some unforgettable moments. Louie ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon last May alongside close friends, before helping to organise and host a charity ball in February – both events bringing people together for a cause that means everything to him. Thanks to this incredible support, Louie has now secured a much-coveted place in the London Marathon, a true bucket-list achievement made possible through Blood Cancer UK.
When Louie takes on the marathon in August 2026, he will be running on his own, but never alone in spirit. The date will mark 17 years since his dad’s death, a milestone that remains difficult to fully comprehend. His dad, a doctor who cared deeply for others, was also a passionate runner who loved competition. Fit, active and full of life, his rapid decline – just three and a half weeks from diagnosis to passing – starkly illustrates the aggressive nature of AML.
Every mile Louie runs will be in his dad’s memory, carrying with him the strength, kindness and determination that helped shape who he is today.
Each year, around 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with AML. While it accounts for less than one per cent of all cancer cases, it is a rare but brutally aggressive disease. Because of its rarity, AML does not always receive the same attention or funding as more common cancers, making fundraising efforts like this all the more important.
Blood Cancer UK provided vital support to Louie’s family when they needed it most, and this challenge is his way of giving back — helping to push forward research that could improve treatments and, one day, lead to a cure.
Running the London Marathon will be the biggest physical challenge Louie has taken on so far, but also the most meaningful. Every step will honour his dad’s memory, support families still facing blood cancer, and contribute to a future where no one has to lose a loved one to AML.
