Cancer survivor places second in Edinburgh half marathon six months after finishing chemo

A cancer survivor from Midlothian finished second in Edinburgh’s half marathon just six months after completing chemotherapy.

Christian Graham, from Lasswade, went for a scan after finding a growing cluster of small but unusual lumps on the right side of his face and neck.

Antibiotics and steroids failed to reduce the swelling, and a CT scan revealed he had a form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A few weeks later he was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

Fortunately for Christian, a PET scan confirmed that the disease had been caught early.

Christian during his treatment. Will Graham via Supplied

The 22-year-old, who has competed at a national level in cross-country races, as well as 3K, 5K, and 10K events, was left in “complete shock” following the diagnosis, along with his family.

“When the diagnosis finally came, it was an emotional roller coaster for the whole family – but especially for Christian,” said Will Graham, Christian’s father.

“Unable to return to the US to continue his studies or pursue his passion for running, he faced an abrupt and difficult pause in the life he had worked so hard to build. Although it was an incredibly worrying time, we found some reassurance in that his scans showed the cancer hadn’t spread.”

Christian sought treatment immediately and started to regain his health during intensive chemotherapy at Edinburgh Western General Hospital’s Teenage Cancer Trust unit.

Will Graham continued: “We were told treatment would be intensive, given the aggressive nature of Burkitt’s lymphoma, but there was hope: if all went well, it would last just three months. We clung to that timeline, determined to stay positive and began counting down the days.

Christian has completed a full recovery. Will Graham via Supplied

“Christian approached it with a mindset of quiet determination – ready to embrace the challenge and ‘get it done’. There were tough days, of course, but his natural fitness played a crucial role in helping him manage the harsh side effects and avoid delays often caused by infection and illness, which are all too common during this type of treatment.”

He completed his chemotherapy treatment in late November 2024 and the treatment was deemed successful, with all cancer removed and a positive prognosis.

Despite remaining in recovery, he participated in last month’s Edinburgh half marathon, finishing second with an impressive time of one hour, six minutes and fifteen seconds.

Not only did he place second in one of the largest half marathons in the UK, but he also raised nearly £3,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

He’s currently focused on regaining full fitness before returning to Boise State University in Idaho, USA, this summer where he will resume his MBA studies to pursue a two-year Master’s in business administration and rejoin their track and cross-country team.

Christian Graham said: “Teenage Cancer Trust was a lifeline during my time in hospital receiving chemotherapy. The dedicated ward, with my own bed, TV and bathroom, made an incredibly tough time more bearable.

“Beyond the fantastic facilities, the specialist nurses and Teenage Cancer Trust staff offered constant support, always checking in and helping me navigate treatment.

“I truly don’t know how I would have coped without them, and I’ll always be deeply grateful for their care and compassion.”

Dr Louise Soanes, chief nurse, Teenage Cancer Trust said: “Cancer is very different for teenagers and young adults than it is for children and older adults. That’s why our units don’t feel like hospital.

“They’re specially designed spaces where young people facing cancer can feel at home, meet others their age, welcome family and friends, and get the very best care from dedicated nurses and youth support teams.

“Everyone at Teenage Cancer Trust is in awe at Christian’s achievement, and we wish him continued luck in his recovery, future studies and of course races!”