Month: September 2025

A huge thank you to Samantha for choosing to support the OPA by taking part in the 2025 Great North Run. By taking on this challenge, Robert is helping to raise vital awareness and funds for our support services.

Your dedication makes a meaningful difference to the work we do and is truly appreciated by everyone at the OPA. We are so grateful for your commitment and ongoing support.

The photo above is of Samantha’s parents. 

Samantha’s story

“My Dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer at the of 53 – within 6 months of diagnosis he passed away. I was 19 years old, navigating the loss of the biggest male influence in my life. Coming to terms with the fact that I would lose the best friend who would one day walk me down the aisle, losing that innate feeling of protection a daughter gets from a loving Father.

My Mother lost her soul mate of 36 years. She lost everything the day my Father died. Within less than 2 years, she also lost her life to cancer. Their love was so, they could not belong without each other.

At 21 years old, I was an orphan. Angry and betrayed at the world that my two best friends were taken away and I was left alone. It took me a long time to find the strength to fight back – but I am here now – with my new family – and we are ready TO KICK CANCERS ASS!!!!

Please help me support the amazing charities like OPA Cancer Charity so we can keep families together and remove this evil from the world xx”

Please support if you can – https://www.justgiving.com/page/samantha-bosher-5?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Thank you so much to Caitlin Strong, who is running the Great North Run on behalf of the OPA Cancer Charity, in memory of her Dad.

Update on the Great North Run!

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me and helped raise money for a wonderful charity, OPA. I had no idea what to expect when running the Great North Run but it was a surreal day, the atmosphere and the people through the whole day cheering you on to cross the finish line! From people handing out sweets and oranges to ice pops and beers! It was definitely an experience I didn’t expect! People you didn’t know would be cheering you on the side lines, it had such an amazing community feel everyone coming together! 

Running 13.1 mile was tough, my training didn’t go to plan for the last few weeks, but I managed to cross the finish line in 2hours 30minutes – which was the personal time I had set! I said straight away I wouldn’t run it again but after having a week to reflect I definitely would!

Caitlin’s Story

“I set myself a goal of doing 30 new things before I turn 30. After, watching on the side lines last year I thought I’d give the Great North Run a go. When I didn’t make the first ballot for the GNR – I changed it from running 13.1 mile run to a 3 mile run (a big difference I know!) When the January ballot came out, I thought I’d give it a second go, little did I know this time round I’d get a ‘Yes you’re in!’ email – that’s when it sunk in.

I’m not a runner, but I’m determined to train and complete the GNR in memory of my Dad, George who lost his life to oesophageal cancer in July 2022. It was a short battle as he was only diagnosed in the February. At the time we didn’t really know much about that type of cancer, which is why I want to raise money and awareness for OPA. My dad was a very sporty person when he was younger and I think he’d be proud of me for accepting the challenge to complete a half marathon! I don’t have a set time, the most important thing for me is crossing the finish line! What will keep me going is reminding myself of the reasons why I decided to run the race and who I am running for.” – Caitlin Strong

Join one of the UK’s most iconic 10-mile races, on Sunday, 19th October 2025, set along the stunning Southsea seafront in Portsmouth. Each year, thousands of runners take on this fast and flat course — and this year, you can be one of them, running to support people affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers.

Why run for OPA?

  • Support patients and families living with oesophageal and gastric cancers

  • Help raise awareness and fund essential support services

  • Be part of a passionate community making a real difference

How to get involved

If you’d like to run the Great South Run for us, please secure your place here:
https://runforcharity.com/opa-cancer-charity/great-south-run/1733144271949.9644

Together, we can make a difference – one step at a time.