London Marathon 2026: Runner taking on 26 miles in memory of legendary Peterborough Evening Telegraph editor Alex Gordon

Alex sadly died in December 2025 following a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He had spent his career in journalism, labelled a ‘magician with words’ and someone who helped countless young reporters as they started in the newsroom.

On Sunday Jamie-Leigh Oliver – partner of Alex’s grandson, Scott – will be taking part in one of the most famous races in the world, raising hundreds of pounds to help others in their battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Mum of one Jamie-Leigh (30), said: “My goal is to cross the finish line, and to be doing it in memory of our beloved Grandad is just an honour!

"He was always doing his 10k steps a day without fail so I’m going to make sure I get my steps in for the both of us on marathon day!

"He will always be in our families heart, and this will be a moment that our family can remember. Hopefully doing this can make a difference and have an impact to raise awareness to get more research and support to fight this illness to stop others going through what we have gone through as a family.”

This will be the first marathon for Jamie-Leigh – but she is no stranger to long distance running.

She said: “I’ve always been into fitness since 2022, I tried to get into the London marathon 2025 but didn’t get in, so I ran the great north half in 2024 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"I then applied for the 2026 London Marathon in 2025 and got in through the ballot on my second attempt.

"I was a mix bag of emotions when I found out I got in, scared, nervous but mainly excited.”

She said the shock of losing Alex had hit all the family hard – especially as he had been hit by an illness that is not known by many.

She will be raising money for charity Action For Pulmonary Fibrosis – with more than £500 already raised.

She said: “We sadly lost Alex in December 2025 to an illness that is very unheard off, to pulmonary fibrosis.

“My goal is to try and run the London marathon in sub 5 hours, however my biggest goal is to raise as much money and awareness for our local charity, and to carry on the memory of our beloved grandad. He touched so many hearts, more than any of us could have thought. He is forever missed but forever in our hearts, and always spoken about.”

Jamie-Leigh has had support from her friends and family – and they will be lining the streets in London to cheer her on at the weekend.

She said: “The support I have received has been overwhelming. I’ve had my partner (Scott Gordon) holding the fort at home with our daughter while I’ve been on four runs a week - some of them being 4 hours long.

"I’ve had my dad, best friend and sister in law (Michelle Gordon) biking alongside me to keep me going on my long runs.

“I’ve had the girls from work (My.Lab Hair & Beauty Stamford) come on runs with me so I don’t feel lonely.

“On the day, I’ve got my number one supporter, Scott, coming to watch as well as a few of the girls from work coming to watch and celebrate with me when I cross that finish line. I will be forever grateful to everyone that has shown all their love and support! My clients that I have had in have been so supportive with given me advice, encouragement and routing for me which is just amazing!”

To sponsor Jamie-Leigh, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/londonmarathon2026pulmonaryfibrosis