Woman Runs London Marathon In Wedding Dress To Honour Late Husband

On what would have been her wedding anniversary, Laura Coleman-Day crossed the finish line of the 2025 London Marathon wearing her wedding dress. Her gesture was a deeply personal tribute to her late husband, Xander, who passed away from a rare form of leukaemia. The decision to wear the dress during the final stretch of the marathon was not only symbolic of the day they had once planned to celebrate together, but also a way to raise awareness about blood cancer and support vital research.

On her wedding anniversary

Laura has taken on the ambitious challenge of running 13 marathons in 12 months, aiming to honour her husband's memory while raising money for blood cancer and stem cell research. She chose to make the London Marathon a meaningful part of this journey. Although she ran the majority of the course in standard sportswear, she stopped around mile 23 to change into her wedding gown. Despite the heat and the physical difficulty, she pressed on, driven by her commitment to both Xander's legacy and the cause she now champions.

Support from Friends and Community 

Reflecting on the experience, Laura described the day as "absolutely amazing," citing the supportive atmosphere and crowds along the course. "The crowds, the atmosphere, and running with one of the most inspiring people I've ever met, it all meant so much," she said. She was joined by her friend Kate Walford, who ran in memory of her own friend who died from leukaemia in 2018. Kate described the moment Laura changed into her dress as emotional, adding that it served as a reminder of the loss and love behind the run.

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A Broader Message 

The public response to Laura's tribute has been filled with support and admiration. For Laura, the marathon was not just a race, but a way to channel her grief into something meaningful. She continues to run for a future where fewer people lose loved ones to blood cancer. Through each mile, she hopes to keep Xander's memory alive and inspire others to contribute to the cause.