Skip to main content
Cancer Research UK Giving Page

Together we are beating cancer

Donate
Tony Gilling

Tony Gilling is running the Marathon Des Sables

Total raised

£11,101.00

+ £1,997.50 Gift Aid

222%% Complete
222% of the £5,000.00 target
Donate

Race to Beat Cancer

My Story

On 5th April 2015, I will attempt the Marathon Des Sables, running 250kms in the Southern Moroccan Sahara Desert and labelled the toughest footrace in the world. A few months ago, I faced my own 'toughest race' when I was diagnosed with cancer. I lead a healthy, active lifestyle. People like me don't get cancer…..at least that's what I thought. I discovered a lump in my neck and initially thought nothing of it, but it didn't go away. Thanks to my doctor's fast action I quickly saw a specialist consultant, had a series of scans and a biopsy. By now I was fearing the worst, but it still doesn't prepare you for those words, “I'm afraid it's not good news”. On 31st October 2014, I underwent major surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, one of my main salivary glands and surrounding lymph nodes. I also had to undergo an intensive course of daily radiotherapy until a month ago, during which I was left feeling exhausted, with no sense of taste and difficulty in swallowing any solid food…..i lost more than 10% of my body weight. I had developed a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, but luckily for me, early diagnosis, surgery & radiotherapy have been successful and subsequent scans have confirmed no other tumours. There are few treatments available for rare cancers and survival rates are often low. New trials are urgently needed to find the best treatments for people with rare cancers and I want to use my participation in the Marathon Des Sables to raise money for vital research which will help others like me. I had secured a place in the 2015 the Marathon Des Sables over a year ago and getting cancer has not been ideal preparation, but it was this race, plus the fantastic support from my medical team, my work colleagues, friends and family and especially my wife, that has kept me motivated and determined not to let this episode stop me from putting my foot on the start line and hopefully crossing the finishing line at the end. Any contribution you can give will make a huge difference and will go directly to the charity. My race entry fees and equipment have been 100% self-funded. More information on research into rare cancers can be found at http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/projects/rare-cancers-help-improve-treatments Many thanks for your support, Tony Marathon Des Sables facts: Location: Sahara Desert, Southern Morocco Duration: 5 stage race over 6 days Distance: ~250km (including one stage of ~100km) # of Competitors: ~1,500 from 70 countries Support: bivouac tents provide, everything else carried in backpacks during the race, including food, sleeping bag, medical supplies, emergency kit Water: rationed to 9ltrs per day http://www.marathondessables.com/en/

CAUSE

IRCI

Rare cancers are varied and can be very different from each other, but they also have one important thing in common - it can be a real challenge for researchers to find enough patients to take part in clinical trials testing new treatments. Help Cancer Research UK boost research into rare cancers.

Latest updates

Total raised£11,101.00
Online£11,101.00
Offline£0.00

With Cancer Research UK Giving Pages more of the money raised goes towards beating cancer. Aside from the credit and debit card fees, every penny donated goes to Cancer Research UK.

All donations made to this page will automatically be transferred to Cancer Research UK.

Donate
Registered with Fundraising Regulator

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales(4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F).

2 Redman PlaceLondonE20 1JQ