Milton Keynes runner raises £3.5k for young cancer patients in 3 marathon challenge

Anthony Johnson, a runner from Milton Keynes has raised more than £3,500 by completing a series of marathon challenges for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity supporting young people with cancer and their families.

Anthony completed the Tokyo Marathon, London Marathon and the Milton Keynes Marathon in aid of the charity. To top it all off, he even achieved several personal bests despite difficult conditions and an intense training schedule balancing work, family life and the arrival of his second child in October last year.

In Tokyo, Anthony battled very hot conditions and jet lag to beat his previous marathon personal best. He then improved again in London, finishing in an impressive 3 hours, 33 minutes and 3 seconds after shaving another three minutes off his time.

Anthony completed his third and final race in his home town, at the Milton Keynes Marathon on Monday, May 4. He ran the first half of the race at a careful pace, before pushing on in the second half to secure another strong finish.

Since 2024, Anthony has collectively raised more than £12,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer. He has also donated thousands of pounds worth of driving lessons to young people with cancer through his Drive Against Cancer scheme at his motoring school, DriveJohnsons.

Anthony said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported and sponsored me in my past marathons, and for donating to Young Lives vs Cancer. We have managed to raise over £3,500 this time round, and since 2024 we have raised more than £12,000 for the charity.”

“This training block has been particularly challenging as we welcomed our second child in October 2025. Most of my runs have been either early in the morning or late at night while balancing work and family life. Seeing everyone’s kind messages before races has been a huge motivation and knowing I’ve raised money for young people with cancer is incredibly rewarding.”

“I’m over the moon with my new PB time of in 3:28:43 (almost 5 minutes off London) and it felt fitting to finish on a high in my hometown of Milton Keynes. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and donated.”

Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide daily support for children and young people with cancer and their families. The charity also provides free accommodation close to hospitals and financial grants to help families facing the extra costs of cancer, which average £700 a month.

Liz Tijaleiro, Young Lives vs Cancer Fundraising Engagement Manager for Buckinghamshire, said: “When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. The impact of cancer on young lives is felt by the entire family.”

“We rely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Anthony enough for his continued support and fantastic efforts. Thanks to Anthony and everyone who donated, Young Lives vs Cancer will be able to help even more young people and families get the support they need.”

You can support Anthony’s fundraising efforts or find out more about the charity at Young Lives vs Cancer.