cooper beaumont

For Nan: Every Mile In Purple 💜

Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. I want to make a difference.

In 2026, I will be running the London Marathon in memory of my incredible Nan, Carol Woodruff, and to raise awareness and funds for COPD  that is deeply personal to me.

My Nan was born in 1955 and began suffering with her chest from a young age. Although she was officially diagnosed with asthma in her late 20s, it wasn’t until her 40s that she learned she had COPD. By the time I was born in 2005, her condition had become quite severe.

Despite her struggles, my Nan was the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She raised three children on her own, put herself through her AAT qualifications, and worked tirelessly to support her family. She was the glue that held us all together—our rock.

By her 50s, she needed oxygen 24/7, but she never let it stop her. She continued to live life to the fullest: riding her horse with her oxygen tank strapped on and spending time with her grandchildren every chance she got.

In 2013, at the age of 58, Nan received a life-saving double lung transplant at Royal Papworth Hospital. We were terrified, but she handled it just as she always did—with grace and strength. We hoped for three extra years, but she gave us nine.

She spent those nine years travelling, riding, laughing, and loving her family. In 2021, we learned she had kept her lung rejection diagnosis from us—she just wanted to enjoy every moment with her loved ones. On January 4th, 2022, she took her final breath. Those nine extra years were a priceless gift, made possible by a donor family we will forever be grateful to.

I’m running the London Marathon 2026 for Asthma + Lung UK, the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I’m able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK’s nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. Your donation, big or small, could be the difference for someone who desperately needs help.

Too many people still suffer, and with more support, more lives can be saved. Please support me on this journey—for my Nan, for those still fighting, and for the families who need hope.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.