Press Release - London Marathon - 10/7/20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

           Macmillan Cancer Support named as Charity of the Year 
                   for 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon

Macmillan Cancer Support has been named the official Charity of the Year 
for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon. 

Launching the campaign Everyone From Day One, Macmillan is calling on 
runners and supporters to help them be there for everyone that needs them, 
from the moment they are diagnosed with cancer.

Lynda Thomas, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Right 
now, Macmillan can only be there for one in four people when they're 
diagnosed with cancer, but we want to be there for everyone. The 
coronavirus pandemic has impacted our ability to fundraise at a time when 
people are waiting longer to get a cancer diagnosis and start treatment and 
desperately need support to help them navigate through this anxious period.

"Our services are needed now more than ever and we are thrilled to 
kickstart this outstanding partnership with Virgin Money London Marathon 
which will help us reach more people with cancer. Whether you're planning 
to run the 26.2 miles, cheer on our runners from the side-lines or make a 
donation, you will be helping us to be there for everyone living with 
cancer, from day one."

The money raised by runners for Macmillan at the 2021 Virgin Money London 
Marathon will help the charity expand its telephone support line to offer 
round the clock help on everything from emotional support to finances when 
people need it the most. These vital funds will also support the 
professional development of Macmillan's crucial healthcare professionals.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: "We 
are proud to announce Macmillan as the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon 
Charity of the Year.

"Cancer has touched or will touch all of us at some point - directly or 
indirectly – and we will do all we can to support Macmillan's Everyone from 
Day One campaign. Macmillan does vital work to support people affected by 
cancer and we hope being Charity of the Year will provide a vital boost to 
fundraising in this very difficult time."

Chris Rose, whose wife Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and 
sadly passed away in February 2019, ran the 2019 Virgin Money London 
Marathon.

He said: "Running the Virgin Money London Marathon for Macmillan was one of 
the craziest and most emotional things I've ever done. Angela had always 
said that she wanted to run the London Marathon but due to her illness that 
became something that wasn't going to be possible.

"I had started with the idea that I would run it for her and, in doing so, 
raise as much money as I could for Macmillan who had helped support her and 
who are still supporting myself and our 10-year-old son Jack. Sadly, Angela 
passed away before the marathon, but I made the decision that we would do 
it together, so I ran with some of her ashes in a wristband to help grant 
her that last wish of getting over that finish line together.

"Being part of #TeamMacmillan and getting to wear that green top means a 
lot to so many people and you couldn't help feeling like you were all in it 
together. I honestly couldn't recommend the experience enough, and I'm 
already raring to get training for my next one."

Find out more about how to run for #TeamMacmillan now.

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