London families lace up for Children with Cancer UK at the Westminster Mile

Families in London put their running shoes to good use at the Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday 26 September, with Children with Cancer UK bringing children and adults together in a dedicated charity wave.

The one-mile course began on The Mall and finished outside Buckingham Palace, giving supporters a memorable setting to raise awareness of childhood cancer during September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts started the Children with Cancer UK wave, according to London Marathon Events' report of the day. Across the whole Westminster Mile event, the organiser reported more than 8,000 finishers.

A mile the whole family could share

The charity's invitation was open to people who wanted to run, jog or walk. Its message ahead of the event emphasised a feel-good family outing, with an opportunity to help others along the way. In the press information supplied before the event, Carver PR's Lauren Brown described it as "a feel good day out for the entire family, whilst raising money for an important cause".

Children with Cancer UK's event information offered free entry for both adults and children, with no minimum age limit. Participants could collect an orange charity T-shirt to wear on the day.

Families at the start line at last year's Westminster Mile. Photograph courtesy of Children with Cancer UK, supplied by Carver PR.

Supporting kinder treatments and families

Behind the charity wave was a longer-term purpose: funding specialist research into kinder, more effective treatments designed specifically for children with cancer, alongside support for families navigating a diagnosis.

Children with Cancer UK's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month campaign highlights the need to improve survival and reduce the lasting side effects of treatment. The charity also provides practical and emotional support for families from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

For supporters, taking on the mile offered a manageable way to contribute to that work together. Children and adults could take part at their own pace while helping bring attention to the needs of families affected by childhood cancer.

Getting ready in the charity tent at last year's event. Photograph courtesy of Children with Cancer UK, supplied by Carver PR.

Keep the support going

The 2026 mile has finished, but readers can still find out about the charity's research, family support and other ways to get involved at childrenwithcancer.org.uk.

The Children with Cancer UK tent at last year's Westminster Mile. Photograph courtesy of Children with Cancer UK, supplied by Carver PR.

Story information and photographs supplied by Children with Cancer UK via Carver PR, with 2026 event details checked against London Marathon Events. All four photographs were supplied as images from last year's event.