We’re delighted to continue our support for Macmillan Cancer Support. Since the start of our partnership, you have helped us raise a fantastic £76,000* for people living with cancer. This could help fund a Macmillan nurse for over 15 months, or enable the Macmillan Support Line to answer 4,467 calls from people with concerns about cancer.
This year, we’ll be continuing our support for the fantastic cause, with a number of colleagues challenging themselves in different endurance events.
Chasing the Sun
The first challenge is from group food and beverage manager, Andy Coupe, who is taking on the Chase the Sun (South), on Saturday 19th June.
Starting in the Thames estuary, the 205-mile route bisects south London, passing Richmond Park, bridging the Thames, onto Wiggins’ Olympic time trial route, plus west-country highlights, the lush Vale of Pewsey, Mendip Hills, the breath-taking Cheddar Gorge, before arriving at the finish line on the sea front in Burnham-on-Sea.
Race to the Stones
Next up is the group development director, Ben Beevers.
On 10th July, Ben will be undertaking a 100km ultra marathon called the Race to the Stones.
In September 2014 Ben was diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma. Over the next month, further tests identified that the cancer was stage 4 and had spread to his neck, abdomen, spine, spleen and lungs. Six months of chaemotherapy treatment put him in hospital twice with life threatening infections. Some days he was barely able to walk up the stairs and simple tasks were exhausting.
Finally, after a stem cell transplant, he was in full remission and six years later, he still is, with check-ups every 12 months.
Ben is grateful for the support from Macmillan and said, “Waiting for cancer to come back is not a very healthy state to be mentally. However, through Macmillan I was offered free counselling, which has made a massive difference to my outlook on life. Macmillan also funded the liaison nurse, which is so valuable when you are paranoid about every ache and pain being the cancer returning.”
He added: “my next stupid challenge that keeps me in my ‘headlights’ and keeping my mind and body healthy (although I’m pushing it to its max!).”
“Living your life in your headlights (the now) is a healthy place to be. I believe that is why exercise is so good for you both physically and mentally. Exercise has been such a key part in my recovery.”
Marathon!
Finally, we’ve got the Everyone Active London Marathon team, consisting of at least five colleagues who will be taking on the marathon on Sunday 3rd October.
The 26.2-mile challenge begins near Blackheath in Greenwich. The world-famous London Marathon route has remained largely unchanged since the inaugural race in 1981 and encompasses many of the capital’s most mesmerising landmarks, old and new.
One of the Everyone Active participants will be PR and Communications Manager – Trade and Consumer, Dan Mason, will be taking on his first ever marathon distance!
How you can help?
At Macmillan, they give people with cancer everything they’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are their worries. They’re doing whatever it takes. But without your help they can’t support everyone who needs us. Donating through JustGiving or Virgin Money is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe – they’ll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs.