24 Apr 2025

Frankie’s First Marathon Inspired By Grandad, Doug

Frankie Hastings has chosen to run the London Marathon for Leukaemia UK in honour of her grandparents Doug and Joyce, who both died from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).  

Frankie is an actor. She has appeared in films such as Kenneth Brannagh’s Oscar nominated film Belfast, in the BAFTA Award-winning Call the Midwife, and has worked on the West End in the RSC’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.

It’s her first marathon but she’s been inspired by her grandad Doug who completed an incredible 26 of the endurance events.

“Grandad passed away last year at age 77 and Nan died in 2011 when she was 63, both from AML. It was a very different experience with each of them. Nan’s leukaemia was discovered at a late stage, she began strong treatment fast but it was too late to really help her. Joyce was gone too soon. Grandad’s diagnosis came a lot earlier in his journey and he managed to stay stable for five years.”  

Frankie lives in London and growing up would make regular trips every school holiday to see her grandparents at their home near Liverpool. Joyce worked in the NHS and spent her life helping others. Not only was Doug a keen runner, but he was a talented musician.

“He was a drummer in a band and they played in the Cavern Club in the era that The Beatles were playing there. Because of his earlier diagnosis with leukaemia, he had time to do a lot of the things he wanted to do before we lost him. He was mad about music (particularly early rock and roll and jazz) so he got to visit New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville with his son and daughter-in-law before he passed. And we used to go to gigs and festivals together because we all loved music. I remember going to the Dot to Dot festival in Manchester with him, my auntie, and my uncle. He also took me to see The Foals multiple times when I was a teenager. Music is a big part of our family, and we credit this to Doug.  He had over 5,000 CDs in his collection (from the Beatles to Beyoncé) when he died; these are all with family and friends for the next generation to enjoy.  

“He began running when he and Nan lost their daughter, Michelle, to a brain tumour when she was a child. He started by raising money for the hospice where she was treated but then enjoyed it so much, he just kept going. He did 26 overall; his fastest time was 3 hours 1 minute. 

“It’s the first time for me and I’m just aiming to get from A to B! I did the Hackney Half last year and raised money for MacMillan. This time I’ve chosen Leukaemia UK because seeing both my grandparents go through AML in such different ways made me realise how important it is to spot symptoms and get them checked out. Early diagnosis is incredibly important.   

“Remembering who I’m running for and why has got me through injuries so far and will help me keep going on the day. I’m sure they would be proud of me.”