15 September 2026
From patient to ABP Southampton Marathon runner
Meet Lucie. Less than one year after undergoing lifesaving surgery at University Hospital Southampton, she is now training to run a full marathon.
We’re pleased that Lucie has chosen to run the ABP Southampton Marathon on 11 April 2027 in support of Southampton Hospitals Charity. Her journey from patient to marathon runner is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to cheer her on.
A classic 34-year-old
If you’d asked Lucie a year ago to describe herself, she’d have told you she was “your classic 34-year-old”. She loved spending time with friends and family, running, reading and chasing sunny holidays. And, in her own words, she was also a fan of “the absolute elite sport of aimlessly mooching around the M&S Foodhall.”
But everything changed when University Hospital Southampton became a big part of her life.
Not just holiday weight
In Lucie’s own words, her tummy “decided to spice things up”. What she initially thought might be nothing more than holiday weight turned out to be something much more serious – a 2kg tumour on her pancreas.
From early December, through Christmas and into the New Year, her social calendar shifted from festive drinks to what she describes as “VIP trips” to University Hospital Southampton.
Her life became a whirlwind of unexplained symptoms, tests and appointments, as doctors worked to understand what was causing them and what was growing inside her.
Surgery – and a fire while she was recovering
By January 2026, the mystery had been solved. The “uninvited guest” was officially evicted during a complex operation involving three surgeons, who worked together to remove the mass from her pancreas. But the surgery wasn’t the only drama during Lucie’s hospital stay. While she was recovering on the ward, a fire broke out.
“Nothing tests your recovery quite like an emergency evacuation,” she says. “But the incredible nurses and security didn’t miss a beat – calmly swooping in, keeping us all safe and getting us all out.”
After months of hospital appointments, tests and treatment, Lucie is now slowly reclaiming her identity and looking towards the future.
Turning a tough experience into something meaningful
After months as a patient, Lucie wanted to turn her experience into something meaningful. That’s why she’s fundraising for Southampton Hospitals Charity and running the ABP Southampton Marathon.
“Signing up for the marathon is my way of giving back to the incredible hospital and the team who ultimately saved my life.”
But the marathon is also a deeply personal challenge for Lucie.
“I want to prove to myself that I can do this. The road to recovery has been bumpy, and I know I still have a long way to go. Taking on 26.2 miles is my way of trying to feel more like me before surgery.”
A special thank you
Lucie has a special thank you for everyone who cared for her during her time at University Hospital Southampton. From the doctors and nurses to the wider hospital team, she says their kindness, patience and empathy made an overwhelming experience feel manageable.
“I’ll never be able to put into words how deeply grateful I am to everyone who cared for me. They treated me with endless kindness, patience and genuine empathy, making sure I felt seen and cared for every step of the way. They are a true testament to the very best of care.”