Well done team Cancer Fund! Our brilliant fundraisers again went the extra mile to raise vital funds for cancer services at UCLH. From taking on marathons to bake sales, we are so proud of everyone who took part and grateful to all who donated.
Janet Forgenie, Uro-oncology CNS Lead, and Dr Matt Fittall, Clinical Oncologist, recently took on an epic 3-day cycle, covering 350 miles from Penzance to London. Supported by friends Zillah Byng-Thorn and Chris Taylor, the team have raised over £7,600 to support treatment and research into prostate, bladder and penile cancer at UCLH.
Both Matt and Janet have worked with prostate cancer patients for many years and appreciate the difficulties this group of patients must go through every day. The benefit of exercise when having treatment for prostate cancer is well recognised. By embarking on this cycle, they hope to raise awareness and some much-needed funds to support research into new treatments.
If you would like to support their fundraising, please donate at justgiving.com/page/janet-forgenie-1
You don’t have to take on a marathon to join our wonderful community of fundraisers – one young person who has been having radiotherapy at UCLH has put her sewing skills to use, hand-making over 500 scrunchies and selling them across the hospital. She has raised an incredible £3,085 so far, which will go directly towards our children’s radiotherapy appeal, updating the unit for the hundreds of young people who are treated there each year.
“This year has been hugely challenging. In the spring my husband, Phil, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of oesophageal cancer. Already living with heart failure and having undergone major cancer treatment in his 20’s, the initial prognosis was devastating - we were told there were no treatment options available. I couldn’t accept that.
After diving into medical research, I came across an academic paper suggesting that Proton Beam Therapy might be a possible treatment. My search led me to the extraordinary Dr. Doug Brand, a consultant oncologist at UCLH who specialises in this innovative therapy.
Dr. Brand offered both hope and realism, taking Phil under his wing and securing NHS national approval for a five-week course of Proton Beam Therapy and chemotherapy. During this time, UCLH provided us with comfortable patient accommodation - something that was absolutely transformational, as Phil simply wouldn’t have been well enough to travel back and forth from home each day.
So, I want to give something back - to help others benefit from the care, compassion and innovation. Choosing the Shakespeare Marathon felt perfect. I spent my teenage years in the village where Shakespeare’s mother lived and went to school in Stratford-upon-Avon. Back then, I played roles in several Shakespeare plays, including Titania, the Queen of the Fairies in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
Funds raised will go to UCLH Cancer Fund and I’m hoping that they can support Dr. Brand’s efforts to purchase a new type of breathing machine used alongside Proton Beam Therapy - a piece of tech that could make this cutting-edge treatment even more precise and effective for future patients. This run will represent gratitude, love and rebellious hope - for Phil, for everyone affected by cancer and for the brilliant people at UCLH who make such a difference. In the Bard’s words (or Barry White’s!! “Let it play on”…..
Let's not forget that the real champion here is Phil -who endured a massive amount of gruelling treatment last year, not to mention the mental toll of his diagnosis. And he is still here - that is proper endurance!
I'm so happy to say that I did it (and, astonishingly, came 1st in my age category).” Ali Dunks
“I’ve been inspired to take on this challenge because we’ve been rocked by how cancer has affected us, and I can only imagine how much this feeling magnifies given how many people live with and fight cancer every day. If I can raise money to eradicate it, I will try my best to do so.” Gurdas Singh - London Marathon 2026
London Landmarks Half 2026
“UCLH looked after my grandad when he was going through treatment, an amazing team!” Jade Burnett - Jade's Grandad, John, also raised an incredible £2,000 with his fellow golfers at Cheshunt Golf Club.
“Running isn’t just a personal challenge for me but also my way of giving back to a cause that means so much, both personally and professionally.” Jomar Sombillo, UCLH Clinical Nurse Specialist
"I’m running for a special cause supporting the hospital who have supported my family and cousin; through his cancer diagnosis and treatment." Jo Strudwick - Jo’s cousin Alfie was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2025, after a 10cm tumour was found on his knee, "I had to have 30 weeks of chemo and also surgery on my knee to have the bone removed and a false knee put in. To say this was the toughest time of my life not only mine but also my families, but thanks to the wonderful team at UCLH and Stanmore hospitals, they got me through it."
We also had a team of 10 wonderful runners take on the Hackney Half Marathon 2026!
If you are interested in joining our team for an event, please get in touch or take a look at our event calendar