Flora Turnbull, 33, will honor her late father, beloved BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull, by running in the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. This deeply emotional run will take place on April 27, the same day Bill passed away in 2022 after battling prostate cancer.
Having originally signed up for the marathon two years ago, Flora was forced to defer after becoming pregnant. Now, with her 17-month-old son Felix, she’s ready to lace up her shoes and join 280 other runners in raising money for groundbreaking research to fight prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men.
Flora’s participation is part of an ambitious campaign to reach their fundraising target of £720,000. This money will support life-saving initiatives, including the £42 million TRANSFORM trial, which is aiming to revolutionize prostate cancer screening and eventually pave the way for a national screening program.
Bill, who became a passionate advocate for Prostate Cancer UK after his own diagnosis in 2018, helped raise awareness and inspired many men to get tested. The phenomenon, known as the “Fry-Turnbull Effect,” led to a significant rise in diagnoses, and thousands of men have publicly thanked Bill for potentially saving their lives.
Flora shared her heartfelt thoughts: “Since Dad’s diagnosis in 2018, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness about prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. After his death, our family was overwhelmed by the love and gratitude we received, especially from men who were inspired to get tested after hearing Dad’s story.”
“Now, I want to continue his legacy of raising awareness and fundraising. That’s why I’ve chosen to run the London Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK. I want to make sure that we can keep our fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, grandfathers, and friends around for as long as possible.”
Bill’s support for Prostate Cancer UK was unrelenting. He appeared in countless TV interviews, took part in charity campaigns, and helped raise significant funds. During the lockdown, he even hosted a Father’s Day quiz, raising over £10,000 for the charity.
An avid supporter of Wycombe Wanderers FC, Bill worked closely with the club to promote the charity’s cause, helping raise awareness within the football community. In 2023, his memory was honored when the club raised £390,000 by organizing a fundraising walk from Wembley to Wycombe, led by broadcaster Jeff Stelling.
Flora’s marathon effort reflects Bill’s impact and the charity’s ongoing mission to provide early detection of prostate cancer through innovative screening methods. With continued funding, this research could save the lives of countless men.
Chris Jarrett, Fundraising Director at Prostate Cancer UK, expressed pride in Flora’s participation: “Bill was such an integral part of our Prostate Cancer UK family, and his efforts helped thousands of men seek help. Flora is continuing his legacy, and we are so grateful for her involvement in this year’s marathon.”
Flora and her team are a testament to the power of family and determination in the fight against prostate cancer. Flora’s run will be a poignant tribute to her father’s work and the millions of men affected by prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer UK encourages men to be aware of the risks, especially if they are over 50, Black, or have a family history of prostate cancer. For more information, visit their risk checker online.
Flora’s courageous step into the London Marathon will inspire others to join the fight against prostate cancer, ensuring Bill’s legacy lives on.
