Gail & Lydia MacNeil
How Lydia MacNeil Turned 42.2km Into Over $11,000 for Head and Neck Cancer
When Lydia MacNeil signed up for the Auckland Marathon, she set herself a modest fundraising goal of $2,000. She hoped her friends, family, and community would get behind her — but nothing could have prepared her for what happened next.
By the time Lydia crossed the finish line, her community had rallied behind her in extraordinary fashion, with donations surging past $11,000 — more than five times her original target.
But for Lydia, the marathon was never really about the distance. It was about her mum.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In November 2024, Lydia’s mum Gail was diagnosed with Grade 3 inoperable throat cancer. What followed was a gruelling journey through chemotherapy and radiotherapy — a journey that tested the whole family. While treatment has helped, Gail’s fight is far from over.
“Watching someone you love go through this kind of battle is heartbreaking,” Lydia shared. “But through it all, my mum has shown an unbelievable amount of strength, courage, and grace. Her resilience is what motivates me to lace up my shoes, show up, and push through every kilometre.”
Running With Purpose
For Lydia, every step of training and every kilometre on race day carried meaning. This wasn’t just a personal challenge — it was an act of love and a stand against a disease that affects thousands of New Zealanders and their whānau every year.
“I wanted to turn my love for her and my hope for a better future for people with head and neck cancer into action,” Lydia said.
What started as a $2,000 goal quickly became something much bigger. As Lydia’s story spread, the donations began to pour in — a powerful reminder of how one person’s courage can inspire an entire community to rally together.
More Than a Number
The final total of over $11,000 will go directly toward providing vital support and essential equipment for head and neck cancer patients and their whānau — helping ease the burden during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Every dollar represents someone who heard Lydia’s story and decided to be part of the fight — proof that when we come together, even the most modest hopes can become something extraordinary.
For Gail, and for Everyone Fighting
In her own words, Lydia summed up what the marathon meant to her:
“This run is for my mum, and for all the mums, dads, siblings, and friends fighting this disease. Thank you so much for your support — it means the world.”
On behalf of Head and Neck Cancer Support Aotearoa, we want to thank Lydia for her incredible effort and her community for their overwhelming generosity. Stories like hers remind us why we do what we do — and why there is always reason for hope.
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If Lydia’s story has inspired you and you’d like to support head and neck cancer research and patient support in Aotearoa, visit our donation page to find out how you can help.