90-year-old 'marathon addict' is oldest competitor in 2023 TCS London Marathon, raising money for us

We're delighted that the oldest competitor in this year's TCS London Marathon is part of #TeamBowelCancer. David Picksley, who's 90 years old and a self-confessed marathon addict, will be walking rather than running the course this year. He's taking part in memory of his sister, who he lost to bowel cancer in 1974.

David, who lives in Croydon, has run an impressive thirteen marathons starting with the Abingdon Marathon in 1982. His passion for long-distance running saw him competing in marathons across Europe, including Budapest, Moscow and Berlin, as well as four London Marathons.

Although he continued running, David thought he had hung up his marathon shoes for the last time after the 1997 London Marathon. But in 2021, he was offered the opportunity to walk the distance for the virtual TCS London Marathon, which he completed again in 2022. This year, after many early morning training walks, he'll be walking the famous London course in his 90^th year, with his stick that he uses for extra confidence.

David says: "I have such great memories of running the London Marathon; it's an experience like no other. The crowds, the bands and the encouragement are not matched by anything I've seen elsewhere. I was sad to give up marathon running when I was 64, so the chance to take part again after a gap of about 26 years – walking the distance – was too good an opportunity to miss.

"Supporting Bowel Cancer UK seems like a fitting way to remember my sister. I hope that the money I raise will help to raise awareness. Many, many more lives could be saved if people knew the symptoms they were looking out for and to go to the doctors if they spot any, to improve early diagnosis."

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK however it's treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.

Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising for Bowel Cancer UK, says: "What an inspiration, taking on a marathon at 90! We're thrilled that David is fundraising for us, helping us continue to raise vital awareness. Nearly 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year – that's around the same number of people who took part in the TCS London Marathon last year – but currently fewer than 40% of people are diagnosed at the earlier stages when it's easier to treat.

"By getting to know the symptoms of bowel cancer and going to straight to your GP if you spot any, or if something doesn't feel right, it's possible to rule out the disease first and fast. They'll want to see you and may ask you to do a test at home to help decide whether your symptoms need further investigation."

• To donate to David's TCS London Marathon fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/David-Picksley2
  
  

Pictured above (left): David taking part in the London Marathon in 1985. Above right: David on a training walk.