Anya Culling, a 27-year-old elite marathon runner from Watton, Norfolk, has turned her health struggles into a source of strength and motivation. Diagnosed with a facial tumor and Graves' disease during her teenage years, Culling faced significant challenges while pursuing her GCSEs at Thetford Grammar School. Despite these obstacles, she adopted a mindset of gratitude and resilience, stating, 'The whole ordeal has made me such a strong person.' Culling began running seriously during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading to remarkable achievements, such as completing the Copenhagen Marathon in two hours and 34 minutes and finishing 16th in the 2024 London Marathon. Her journey reflects a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity, with Culling attributing her success to a positive outlook and hard work. She will participate in the London Marathon again on April 26, 2024, after finishing 71st in the women's race at the Tokyo Marathon last month, clocking in at two hours and 48 minutes. Culling's story serves as an inspiration for many, highlighting the importance of resilience and embracing life's opportunities.