Lisa is running the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2026 dressed as ovaries in memory of her mum, Patricia. Shortly after race day, Lisa is having her ovaries removed as a preventative step to eliminate her genetic risk of ovarian cancer.
I wanted to do something fun in memory of mum, whilst also raising awareness of the easily missed symptoms of ovarian cancer. That’s how I found Target Ovarian Cancer and the rest as they say is history.
Why a Guinness World Record?
On Sunday 12 April Lisa will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for fastest female half marathon dressed as a body part.
“I’ve always been a bit of a runner and was keen to take on a challenge in memory of both my parents. I’ve completed a lot of challenges for charity in the past including the London Marathon in 2023.
Going into 2026, my original idea had been to do two half marathons – one for mum and one for dad, Rodney. Known as Pat and Rod to friends and family. I also turn 50 this year so thought that after that I would hang up my running shoes and enjoy some rest.
However, it’s snowballed slightly with a Guinness World Record to chase. I now have a costume in the making and a new name ‘Wonder Wombman’ so who knows where this challenge will lead…
As soon as I agreed to the record I thought, ‘what have I done?’ But people have been so supportive – family, friends and the local community.
My outfit is currently being made to an incredible standard thanks to local companies that provided sponsorship of over £1,300. It’s an amazing feeling and definitely helps get through the training, weighted vest and all.”
What's your motivation?
“In January 2024 my mum, passed away from ovarian cancer. A few months before her diagnosis she started to have all these different symptoms, and I began to think that it could be cancer.
She was bloated and felt full a lot of the time with stomach pain, but I wouldn’t have guessed ovarian cancer. That was something new and unknown for all of us in my immediate family.
Mum was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2018 after my aunt suggested she ask for a CA125 blood test. Initially, she was expected to live for 18 months to two years but through various treatments and her own grit and determination she enjoyed life for five more years – she was amazing in her fight.
I’d also like to honour my dad during the run, who passed away with bladder cancer a year later, and for all those in my life who have been touched by cancer.
In the past year, my fiancé and a very close friend have also been diagnosed with bladder cancer, but as they caught the symptoms early, they have a happy ending. Another reason why I'm so passionate about awareness of early symptoms of all cancers.
It feels extra special to be completing the run with my brother and to do it together for our parents. A requirement of the Guinness World Record is that I have a photo at every mile marker, so he’s not only my official race motivator and on hand support, but also my official photographer for the day.”
How did you come to the decision to have preventative surgery?
“During my mum’s treatment she discovered that she had a defect of ‘unknown significance’ in her BRACA1 gene. This means that we don’t know whether this defect was the cause of her cancer or not, or if it poses a risk to me.
After her passing, I was contacted by the Genetic Clinic at Oxford University Hospital as new research had been funded into her BRACA1 defect.
This resulted in me speaking to family members and finding out that my aunt had ovarian cancer at 50 and another aunt had died of breast cancer. Ultimately it’s research like this that has led me to have the opportunity to have my own ovaries removed.
Target Ovarian Cancer has supported me by providing information and guidance on genetic testing and is a service for me to turn to with any worries. I’m grateful to know that if I have a question or just want to talk something through, they're there.
I was approved for preventative surgery as there is a higher chance of me developing ovarian cancer due to my family history. My overwhelming feeling is one of relief. Once you start learning more about genetics and ovarian cancer it is hard not to overthink any and all symptoms I experience. Being bloated for a few days for example. It’s something that is always on my mind and I’m pleased to be able to do something proactive to ease that."
What’s next for your fundraising? Do you have any top tips?
"The initial target when I first signed up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon was £350. However, I've already raised £1,100 and that's mostly from sharing posts about my training and now my Guinness World Record attempt on Facebook. Now, I’d love to raise £2,000!
I’m hoping that once my costume arrives with the QR code, I can do a few runs in my neighbourhood (unorganised) and get some local press coverage, and more donations will come in.
There's also talk that the costume may make an appearance at a salsa party as fellow dancers have said they'd like to see it and sponsor me!
My top tips for fundraising would be don’t underestimate the kindness of people and don’t be afraid to ask for donations! You’ll be surprised how supportive people are... I’m still overwhelmed by all the support."
Post event update
The atmosphere on the day was incredible! It was so busy with crowds cheering and music blasting the whole way round. People were shouting my name “Wonder Wombman” or at least trying to as it turned out to be a bit of a mouthful for people, but it was great that people really got behind it.
It was also very emotional; there were a lot of tears - especially at the end when I saw my best friend and she was already crying.
The costume looked amazing, but it was very restrictive to run in. The wind was a real challenge. The costume was like a sail (which was ok when the wind was behind me!) and I had to be careful to not have any wobble-related incidents - but once I got into the rhythm it actually became part of the fun.
It did get a lot of attention and I can’t forget one man who ran up to me fairly near the start and told me his wife has ovarian cancer, and she didn’t have much time left - that was emotional, we ran a little way holding hands then he had to run off as I was seriously slowing him down.
I don’t think it’s quite sunk in that I’ll be a Guinness World Record holder. I need to submit all the evidence to make it official, but when that happens, it will be a proud moment. There may have been a well-earned drink afterwards to celebrate. All of us there, 10+ people, went to one of my old drinking haunts from when I lived in London, followed by a very big dinner.
I think the costume has definitely earned another outing - it can’t be a one-hit wonder!
I’m not sure about another race yet, first I need to concentrate on my preventative surgery at the end of the month (April), but I feel like this might just be the beginning.
I’d love to be part of London Landmarks half marathon next year in some way, I’d also love to be part of the cheer team for Target Ovarian Cancer too at events you have coming up…and it definitely fits the Ovar-Dressed theme..!
