Cumbrian man completes Lake District ultra marathon while undergoing treatment for leukaemia

Luca Miceli was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia last year. Credit: ITV Border

A man with leukaemia, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, has completed a 55km ultra marathon challenge in aid of a cancer charity.

Luca Miceli, 40, from Lambley near Brampton, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia last year.

Luca told ITV Border: "Without the treatment, I potentially would have had around six months [to live].

"But fortunately the treatment, which is a daily chemo medication, should make me live a near-normal life... I don't think they know what my near-normal is!"

The 13 Valleys Ultra had since become an important target in his recovery. Credit: ITV Border

An Army veteran and life-long fitness-lover, Luca had previously taken on a 100mile challenge through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

After his cancer diagnosis in August 2025, however, the personal trainer lost significant muscle mass during his treatment, forcing him to rethink his fitness goals - even if a 55km ultra marathon would be a keen challenge for most.

This weekend (26-27 September), he ran for nine hours and completed the 5 Valleys Ultra through the Lake District.

Luca is currently plagued by fatigue because of his daily chemotherapy treatment, but he has refused to give up his love for running.

Luca said: "The 5 Valleys is advertised as 55km, but it's actually 58km, with around 3,000 metres of elevation.

"Going into the 5 Valleys, I was in my bad weeks. I didn't have the energy that I would have surplus, so I was going in already on the back foot.

"It's the medication that creates a lot of barriers for day-to-day life.

"The run itself was very enjoyable, the route was enjoyable, but my body didn't want to perform. I think my legs forgot what their function in life was! I really had to force myself to put one foot in front of the other."

He has already raised over £1,000 for charity. Credit: ITV Border

Luca has currently raised over £1,000 for charity Cure Leukaemia.

He said: "I've been looking to raise awareness of rare cancers, and fundraise.

"The Friday before the race, my consultant phoned me up to say my cancer is below 0.01%. So if I can maintain that, while reducing my dosage for five years, I can try a medication break.

Luca now plans to build on this success and run the 7 Valleys Ultra next year, which covers a distance of 110km.

He will, however, check-up on his body first, and make sure he is recovered enough for another such feat.

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