Tuesday June 10th 2025
Christian Graham running in Edinburgh Half Marathon. Photo Will Graham.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Christian Graham from Lasswade, Midlothian, has raised nearly £3,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust after finishing second overall in the recent Edinburgh Half Marathon.
This outstanding result is made even more remarkable, given just six months earlier Christian couldn’t run more than 100 metres after completing a course of chemotherapy for cancer.
Christian’s diagnosis, aged 22, came as a complete shock. An exceptional athlete, Christian was competing at national level in cross-country races, as well as 3K, 5K and 10K events. After graduating with a degree in graphic design from Dundee University, Christian was offered a sports scholarship with Boise State University in the United States to pursue a two-year Master’s in business administration.
It was there that Christian woke one morning to find a cluster of small but unusual lumps on the right side of his face and neck. After a few days he had them checked out, but was advised to ‘watch and wait’, as there were several possible, and mostly harmless, explanations for their appearance.
However, the lumps began to grow, prompting follow-up appointments with several specialists. Antibiotics and steroids failed to reduce the swelling, and eventually a CT scan revealed a cluster of masses in the affected area.
Christian brought all the medical information back to the UK. There, he sought the opinion of another specialist, and was quickly referred for further investigations, which included a biopsy.
After several anxious weeks, Christian heard the devastating news that he had a form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but it wasn’t until a few weeks later that he was finally diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma—a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Fortunately, a PET scan confirmed that the disease had been caught at an early stage.
Will Graham, Christian’s father, says: “When the diagnosis finally came, it was an emotional roller coaster for the whole family—but especially for Christian. Unable to return to the U.S. 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 regained 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 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.”
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.”
Christian completed his chemotherapy treatment in late November 2024 and has been in recovery since. The treatment was deemed successful, with all cancer removed and a positive prognosis. 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 and rejoin their Track and Cross-Country team.
Teenage Cancer Trust units are based within 28 NHS hospitals. They are the only nationwide network of specialist treatment centres with facilities specifically for teenagers and young adults with cancer.
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!”
Christian completed the Edinburgh Half Marathon, one of the largest half marathons in the UK, in a phenomenal time of 1:06:15.
If you wish to recognise Christian’s amazing achievement through a donation to Teenage Cancer Trust, please visit Teenage Cancer Trust’s website.
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