The team at Radiotherapy UK would like to express our immense gratitude for everyone that joined forces to make this year’s #Miles4Radiotherapy virtual summer challenge a hit.
Participants and sponsors raised more than £18,000 to support our #CatchUpWithCancer campaign in speaking up for the third of cancer patients waiting too long for treatment.
More than 300 people and 37 teams totaled a fantastic 67,000 miles throughout July and August. All while raising vital monies to support the UK’s longest and loudest campaign for people facing deadly delays.
Amazing support
The summer challenge got off to a great start with our first ever event sponsors: AXREM, Leo Cancer Care and Radiaderm, and our very first media partners: oncology podcast @Rad_Chat.
Charity director, Sarah Quinlan MBE, said: “To have people come back each year to get fit and fundraise is just incredible. And with our new sponsors and supporters this year we felt ready to get off to a great start.
“As a small charity with a big fight on our hands, every mile and every pound makes what we do possible. We could not continue without your commitment to the cause and thousands of cancer patients would suffer in silence.
“We simply can’t express enough how grateful we are for your amazing support.”
Different reasons, one aim
This year, the challenge brought participants together from the radiotherapy workforce, the oncology industry and patients and families affected by cancer.
- Oxford University Hospitals topped the leaderboard with more than 10,000 miles; while Varian GB and Ireland came a very close second
- A strong showing from the North-East and Scotland saw three Northern teams in the top five: Northern Centre for Cancer Care (Newcastle), Edinburgh Cancer Centre and James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.
- Meanwhile, Leeds(ing) the Way, led by Melanie Bryan were rewarded with a tray of personalised cupcakes for being their superstar selfie efforts on social media.
It was a strong year for individuals too, with many fantastic efforts.
- Karen Carr from Accuray smashed her first York 10k race after returning to running for the challenge
- Brain tumour survivor and Radiotherapy UK trustee Andy Tudor persevered through his cancer-related fatigue to clock up 270miles of walking
- Meanwhile, Rema Jyothirmayi, who tackled Ben Nevis for the challenge last year, plans to walk 118 kilometres of the Camino de Santiago later in the year for #Miles4Radiotherapy
Yoga, running and everything in between
Although #Miles4Radiotherapy raises crucial funds for our mission, it’s also about so much more. Originally started by the Champion’s Network (Now the Ambassadors) the aim was to give the radiotherapy workforce a fitness focus and community feel during the pandemic lockdowns.
To this day, the challenge attracts runners, walkers, cyclists, horse riders, weightlifters, paddle boarders and yogis alike. We also love the fact that so many much-loved pets join in. Hi Connie, Jess, Amos, Blackjack, Loki, Merlin, Ushi, Nancy and friends!
Special thanks
Radiotherapy UK would also like to give a special thanks to this year’s super fundraisers: Ankuree Patel, Carol Scott, Julie Shine, Kate Knapp-Tabbernor, Andy Tudor, Linda Carruthers, Neil Henry, Samantha Rodgers, Samina Hussain, Shahin Ghezelayagh and Tabby Fleming. Fundraising takes a lot of time and effort and we truly appreciate your fantastic efforts.
If you would like to donate, but haven’t yet, here is the link to do so: Radiotherapy UK: Miles4Radiotherapy 2024 (enthuse.com)
What next?
All funds raised will support the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign, which is needed now more than ever as cancer cases are predicted to grow by a third by 2040. Delays cost lives and the campaign continues to work with decision makers to reinstate a national cancer plan and radiotherapy strategy to cut waiting lists and improve outcomes.
Thank you.
