This year, Pasic has a team taking on the London Marathon for the very first time. Each runner has their own reason for being there – whether it’s giving back, remembering someone special, or supporting families going through the toughest times. Together, they’re raising vital funds to help children with cancer and their families.
Meet some of our incredible Team Pasic runners
Gemma Bodsworth
Gemma lives in Northampton with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and only started running in 2023 through a Couch to 5K programme -never imagining she’d one day tackle a full marathon!
Running the London Marathon has long been a dream for Gemma, and this year she’s making it a reality while supporting a cause close to her heart. Pasic provided vital support to someone close to her family when they were diagnosed with a brain tumour, and Gemma wants to give back to the charity that helped them through such a difficult time.
Her motivation comes from her family, who will be cheering her every step of the way, and the thrill of crossing the finish line. On race day, Gemma is most looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating the achievement of completing the marathon.
Gary Downing
Gary, from Ibstock, Leicestershire, works in banking and is a proud member of Coalville Triathlon Club. This year, he’s taking on the London Marathon as part of Team Pasic with a deeply personal reason driving every mile.
Gary first connected with Pasic in 2024 following his teenage son Kauri’s cancer diagnosis. When Kauri went into remission, Gary signed up for the London Marathon to give something back for the incredible support his family had received. Sadly, Kauri’s cancer has since returned, and Pasic have continued to be there when they’ve needed it most.
“Pasic were one of the first to reach out to us during our toughest time. They’ve always been just a phone call or message away.”
Gary’s biggest motivation? His family. “My son and my wife – they inspire me every single day. I’m so unbelievably proud of them both.”
On marathon day, there’s one moment he’s holding onto above all else: handing his finisher’s medal to Kauri.
Alicia Guintoli
Alicia, 20, lives in Leicestershire with her family. She’s the eldest of six siblings and will be running the London Marathon alongside her dad and sister, with the rest of the family cheering them on.
Alicia decided to take on the London Marathon not only to challenge herself but to raise money for a charity that has meant so much to her family. Pasic supported them through the most difficult time of their lives.
The marathon is deeply personal for Alicia. Her little brother, Luca, passed away from cancer last year, at just six years old. “He was the kindest, most special little boy I’ve ever met,” she says. His bravery and strength throughout his treatment continue to inspire her every day.
On race day, Alicia is most looking forward to sharing the experience with her family and honouring both Luca and Pasic.
She’s proud to be part of Team Pasic because it allows her to play a small part in helping other families create happy memories and find moments of joy, even in the hardest times.
Jasdeep Singh
Jasdeep is from Leicester and is a proud dad to two children. He works locally as a secondary school science teacher and has developed a passion for running over the past couple of years, regularly taking part in parkruns and local races.
Taking on the London Marathon felt like the natural next step – a new challenge to push himself further. Jasdeep managed to successfully secure a place through the Team TCS Teachers competition and decided to run for Pasic, the charity that holds a deeply personal place in Jasdeep’s life following his daughter’s cancer diagnosis.
“They’ve been a social lifeline for us during the most distressing time we’ve ever faced.”
His motivation comes from close to home. “My little girl inspires me every day. She’s shown more strength and bravery than I could ever imagine, going through intense treatment and still managing to smile.”
On marathon day, Jasdeep is looking forward to soaking up the incredible atmosphere, the energy of the crowds and being part of such an iconic event.
He’s proud to run for Team Pasic because, as he puts it, “they are like a family, going above and beyond to ensure that children facing cancer are never alone.”
Ash Starr
Ash lives in Beeston, Nottingham with his wife and their two children. A passionate endurance sports enthusiast, Ash enjoys running, cycling and triathlon, and is a strong advocate for the positive impact sport can have on mental health and wellbeing.
Running the London Marathon has long been a goal for Ash. After entering the ballot many times without success, he’s thrilled to finally be taking part in such an iconic event – and even more so for a cause close to his heart.
Ash is running in memory of Jacob, the son of close friends, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and sadly passed away in 2024. Pasic supported Jacob and his family throughout, making a lasting difference during an incredibly difficult time. “I wanted to run in Jacob’s memory and raise as much as I can to help Pasic continue their amazing work.”
His motivation is deeply personal. Ash also experienced the loss of his daughter, who was born at 21 weeks and passed away shortly after. “When things get tough, I think of her and of Jacob. It reminds me how fortunate I am to be here and able to take on this challenge – it’s a privilege.”
On race day, Ash is looking forward to the unforgettable atmosphere and the iconic London landmarks he’s seen so many times on TV – from Greenwich and the Cutty Sark to Tower Bridge and the final stretch down The Mall. Most of all, he’s excited to see friends and family at the Pasic cheer point and to cross the finish line in Jacob’s memory.
Clare Taylor
Clare from Castle Donington is a wife and mum of two boys, and runs her own small marketing consultancy business. A lifelong lover of sport, she dipped in and out of running over the years, but always felt that one day, she would take on a marathon.
For Clare, it was always going to be the London Marathon. Inspired by her dad, who was a keen marathon runner himself, she grew up watching him take part – sometimes even spotting him on TV. Now, she’s proud to be following in his footsteps, with him there on the day to cheer her on.
Clare is running in memory of Brody, her best friend’s son, who sadly passed away at just nine years old from a rare brain tumour. Seeing firsthand the support Pasic provided to Brody’s family had a lasting impact. “They offer such meaningful, tailored support – not just for the child, but for the whole family – and create moments that really matter during the hardest times.”
Her motivation comes from knowing the difference her fundraising can make to other families facing similar challenges. “If my efforts can help make life a little easier for a family, or bring a smile to a child’s face, it means everything.”
Harvey Widdowson
Harvey, 24, is from Nottingham and now lives in London. Running the London Marathon has always been a dream, and this year he’s combining that goal with supporting a cause close to his heart.
Harvey is running in memory of Rose, a family friend, who passed away from cancer aged 10. “Pasic is a charity close to my family, and it’s amazing to be able to raise money to support the incredible work they do.”
His motivation comes from those facing bigger challenges than marathon training. As he says, “All the children and families going through far greater levels of hardship – marathon training is a walk in the park compared to what they face every day.” He’s also inspired by everyone who has supported his fundraising along the way.
On race day, Harvey admits he’s looking forward to one simple reward at the finish line – a well-earned beer!
He’s proud to run for Team Pasic because, in his words, “it’s an incredible charity making a monumental difference to so many lives.”
