The former Brighton and Hove Albion striker who currently heads the footballers’ union is tackling the 26.2-mile event to pay tribute to his father.

Maheta Molango, who previously played as a forward for the Seagulls and now serves as chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, will compete in the London Marathon to collect funds for Leukaemia Care.

He is embarking on this endurance challenge to mark the life of his father Moly Molango, who died in May 2025 after battling blood cancer for five years.

Supporters who wish to contribute to Maheta’s marathon bid can do so via the dedicated fundraising page.

Mr Molango said the family’s existence was turned upside down by his father’s fight with blood cancer, with the effects spreading far beyond just the person who was ill.

Moly Molango first learned he had multiple myeloma after experiencing severe back pain and persistent fatigue.

The illness later developed into leukaemia, requiring a stem cell transplant from an outside donor.

Since no fully compatible match could be located, Mr Molango himself donated as a partial match.

He said during his father’s illness, their family was fortunate enough to be able to offer help, but many others do not have that same good fortune, which is precisely why charities such as Leukaemia Care are so essential.

Since revealing his intention to run the marathon, Mr Molango collected more than £2,000 for the organisation just one day after posting information about the challenge on LinkedIn.