Laura Coleman-Day was thrilled to have completed the London Marathon.

(PHOTO: Instagram/@12in12an)

She cut a striking figure as she crossed the finish line, her ivory satin wedding gown billowing behind her, delicate lace detailing glistening with perspiration and a flowing veil trailing in the breeze.

The extraordinary sight of a bride in full matrimonial attire completing the gruelling 42,2km course near Buckingham Palace left spectators stunned.

But for Laura Coleman-Day finishing the London Marathon in her bridal attire wasn’t just a powerful statement – it was a poignant memorial to her late husband, Xander, on what should have been their sixth wedding anniversary.

“I thought what better way to honour the day and honour him,” Laura (33) said after the race. “It was absolutely amazing but very hot. The crowds, the atmosphere . . . unforgettable.”

The London Marathon represented both an end and a beginning.

It completed Laura’s year-long challenge of running 12 marathons in 12 months while coinciding with what would have been a celebration with Xander, who passed away in February 2024 at the age of 36 after complications from a stem cell transplant.

Laura’s friend, Kate Walford, helped with the flowing train of Laura’s wedding gown.

(PHOTO: Instagram/@12in12an)

At the 37km mark near the Tower of London, two of Laura’s friends helped her change into her wedding dress for the final 4,8km.

They carefully pinned her race number to the white gown and added a pink rose and thistle to her chest – matching the boutonnière Xander had worn on their wedding day.

“Watching Laura step into her dress was such an emotional moment, reminding me what she has been through,” said her friend Kate Walford, who ran alongside her.

Laura with her late husband, Xander, and their son, Amos.

(PHOTO: Instagram/@12in12an)

Laura and Xander’s story began a decade ago when he served in the Royal Air Force.

Their 2019 wedding was a Harry Potter-themed celebration, setting the stage for what should have been a lifetime together.

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Two years later, the couple welcomed their son Amos, completing their family. But their happiness was short-lived.

Just as they were adjusting to life as a family of three, Xander was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow.

“Our world was turned upside down,” Laura shared on Instagram. “It’s the kind of thing you hear about happening to other people but always think ‘it’ll never happen to me’.”

Xander was so excited about the birth of their son, she says.

(PHOTO: Instagram/@12in12an)

Initially it seemed their story might have a happy ending. Xander underwent chemotherapy and beat cancer three months later.

However, a stem cell transplant in January 2023, intended to prevent recurrence, led to complications.

A month later he developed graft-versus-host disease, where the donor cells attacked his own tissues, causing his liver and kidneys to deteriorate despite medical intervention.

It was during this harrowing time that Laura, who admits, she “wasn’t a runner” laced up her shoes and discovered that running helped maintain her mental health while caring for Xander.

“The challenge has brought me through the worst year of my life,” she reflected.

When Xander passed away at home in February 2024, Laura’s marathon mission took on even deeper significance.

To date, she has raised £18,257 (R438 000) for Anthony Nolan, a blood cancer and stem cell research charity.

“All money still to go to Anthony Nolan in the hope their research into GvHD will help save future daddies and mummies,” Laura explained.

Laura has completed her 12th marathon.

(PHOTO: Instagram/@12in12an)

Despite the discomfort of running in ceremonial attire on a warm day, Laura crossed the finish line in under five hours and 53 minutes, an achievement she described as feeling “incredible”.

When asked what Xander would think of her marathon journey culminating in this unique tribute, Laura smiled through tears.

“He’d tell me I’m completely mad,” she said. “But he was always my biggest cheerleader. I know he would be proud of what I’ve achieved.”

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