Press release
23 April 2024
Our inspiring bunch of runners from this year’s 2024 London Marathon are encouraging anyone thinking of running for ACT next year to go for it – describing the experience as ‘second to none’ and ‘a chance to see humans at their best’.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our 13 runners who completed Sunday’s marathon. Collectively they have raised a total of £47,275. However, with donations still flooding in the final figure is expected to be in excess of £50,000.
Twenty-four-year-old Lauren Whiting originally signed up to run the marathon after staff at Addenbrooke’s looked after her mum, Sue, following a brain bleed several years ago. She was given a 10% chance of getting her health back to what it was before the aneurysm – and Lauren says her mum is now back doing most of what she loves, thanks to all the amazing care she received from Addenbrooke’s staff.
Since signing up to run the London Marathon, however, Lauren’s dad, Guy, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was removed during surgery at Addenbrooke’s in December. He has now been diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 brain cancer and continues to be monitored by Addenbrooke’s as he takes on radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Ipswich Hospital.
Having completed Sunday’s Marathon, Lauren says anyone thinking about running it on behalf of ACT next year should definitely go for it.
“The feeling when I finished was second to none. I would recommend anyone thinking about doing it to go for it, but not to underestimate the dedication that goes into it.”
Lauren, who is studying a doctorate to become an Educational and Child Psychologist, said she was running up to five times a week for the last four months leading up to the marathon.
“Training was intense. A lot of people thought I was crazy doing it at the same time as my doctorate and at times it was definitely challenging, especially on days I was travelling for placements where sometimes I have to commute an hour-and-a-half each way. So, it’s not to be taken lightly, but it is one of the best achievements I think I’ll ever do. And from a personal perspective, the training has been one of the best things for me. It has given me headspace.”
Lauren, who completed the marathon in 4 hours 50 minutes, said her dad wasn’t able to travel down to London to watch the marathon as it would have been too much for him but said the family did get together for a celebratory meal in the evening.
“It was very emotional. My dad doesn’t get very emotional so if he does tell me he is proud it means a lot.”
Fellow runner, Sean Papworth, who finished his run in 4 hours 33 minutes, said: “It’s such an iconic event and race and seeing all the different runners and costumes and seeing London at its best is quite emotional. It really is humans at their best.”
For Sean, the event hit several important milestones– marking 15 years since he ran his first London Marathon and 20 years since he finished his treatment for cancer at Addenbrooke’s – all in the same year he will be turning 50.
Runner Alfie Moore was our fastest runner – completing the challenge in 3 hours and 32 minutes.He signed up for the marathon after being treated by staff at Addenbrooke’s following treatment for a traumatic brain injury while studying at university.
“It was a great day. I loved every second of it – even though the pictures of me at the end might say differently! I got quite emotional when I saw all of the support for the Addenbrooke’s team, thank you so much for cheering me on and keeping me going.”
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, whose supporters raise funds to help make them even better.
ACT’s Head of Community Fundraising, Donna Lee-Willis, said: “We are so proud of all our runners who took part in Sunday’s event – and to find out they are going to raise over £50,000 is just amazing. To hear our fundraisers urging others to take part in next year’s London Marathon on our behalf is really heart-warming.”
“As a team we are introducing as many different fundraising challenges as we can so there is something there for everyone – everything from skydives, ultras and bungee jumps, to marathons and walks.”
You too can make a difference to someone’s life by donating or fundraising for ACT. We fund cutting edge research, highly technical equipment and more, making care at Addenbrooke’s even better. To apply for your place in the 2025 London Marathon click here.
We also support any fundraisers who wish to organise their own events such as charity football matches and auctions. If you would like to get in contact, email us at: fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk
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