Teenage Cancer Trust Rocked Brighton Marathon

On Sunday 10 April, 363 runners rocked the Brighton Marathon in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.  An impressive total of over £150,000 was raised on the day, a figure predicated to double once all monies are in.

Teenage Cancer Trust supporter Michael Watson, the retired British boxer, was on hand to welcome back runners as they completed the course, having also provided encouragement and motivation at the previous evening’s Pasta Party.  Setting off from Preston Park at 9.00am, the first Teenage Cancer Trust runner completed the course in just over three hours.

Michael Watson said, “I come alive by helping others so it was great to be involved with Teenage Cancer Trust at the Brighton Marathon. Everyone had personal goals on race day but it was amazing to be part of people’s individual triumphs and offer encouragement and support to the runners.”

Teenage Cancer Trust, was selected as the official national charity partner for 2011, and had a huge team present on the day.   As well as hundreds of runners braving the 26.2 mile course, the charity had over 150 volunteers cheering runners around the course.

Teenage Cancer Trust runners were rewarded with cold beer, drinks and food in the finishing marquee sponsored by Shepherd Neame. A team of massage therapist worked tirelessly to relieve aching muscles with 30 minute treatments whilst listening to music from Superlungs, Fran Classic and Alexia Chulum.

Faye Seogalutze from Teenage Cancer Trust said, “The day was a huge success and we are so proud of all our runners. We have raised a huge amount of money for young people diagnosed with cancer and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of all our sponsors and volunteers. We are also so grateful to Michael Watson for his support too.”

All the money raised from the Brighton Marathon will go towards Teenage Cancer Trust’s South East Appeal, to build and equip a specialist teenage cancer unit at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, Surrey. Due to open in 2011, this new 13 bed unit will cost Teenage Cancer Trust over £3 million to build and means for the first time, young cancer patients living in the South East will be treated with others their own age in an environment suited to their needs.