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, as well as Virgin Money’s Charity of the Year.

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.”

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