Category: Events

At OPA Cancer Charity, we provide vital support to individuals diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, as well as their caregivers, families, and loved ones. Alongside our support services, we work tirelessly to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer, with the aim of encouraging earlier diagnosis and improving survival rates.

Understanding Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer affects the gullet – the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Over the past 40 years, the prevalence of this cancer has increased significantly. There are around 9,400 new oesophageal cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s 26 every day (2017-2019, CRUK) making awareness and early detection more important than ever.

Recognising symptoms early can make a real difference. By increasing understanding of oesophageal cancer, we hope more people will seek medical advice sooner and access the support they need.

Raising Awareness This February

This February, during Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to take time to learn more about the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer, as well as the support and resources available for patients and families.

To help spread awareness, we have an Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Information Pack, designed for individuals, community groups, healthcare settings, and organisations who want to help share important information and show their support.

To order your awareness packs, please visit our online shop:
https://opa.org.uk/product/oesophageal-cancer-awareness-pack/

Together, We Can Make a Difference

By raising awareness, sharing information, and supporting one another, we can help improve understanding of oesophageal cancer and make a meaningful difference for those affected.

Thank you for joining us this February and for helping to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer.

 

We were deeply honoured to welcome our patron, Fiona Wade, to our 40-year anniversary celebration. Fiona’s presence added warmth and meaning to this milestone, and we are incredibly grateful she could join us. As we reflected on four decades of growth, community, and shared achievements, having her with us reminded everyone of the commitment and encouragement that helped shape our work.

Fiona, known to many from her long-running role as Priya Sharma on Emmerdale, has more recently been seen taking on a variety of roles in theatre, showcasing her talent on stage. Alongside her work in television and theatre, she continues to be a committed advocate for those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers. Her support is shaped by her own personal experience of losing her father to oesophageal cancer, and she uses her voice to help raise awareness and understanding.

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us. We look forward to the future with appreciation for all who stand beside us.

This November, OPA Cancer Charity is shining a light on gastric (stomach) cancer — a time to raise understanding, share vital information, and support those affected.

Every year, thousands of people in the UK are diagnosed with gastric cancer. Early detection can make a life-saving difference, yet many people are still unaware of the symptoms to look out for.

Learn more about gastric cancer: https://opa.org.uk/gastric-cancer/

Help raise awareness in your community

By displaying our Awareness Posters and Awareness Packs, you can help increase visibility in your workplace, healthcare setting, or local community — and encourage more people to recognise the signs early.

Order your resources here:

Together, we can make a difference — by raising awareness, offering hope, and helping to save lives.

Thank you for supporting OPA and helping us spread this vital message.

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Join one of the world’s most iconic marathons on Sunday, 8th March 2026, and experience the unforgettable atmosphere of running through the heart of Paris – and this year, you can get involved, running to support people affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers.

The World famous fashion capital ups the ante when it comes to running for charity. A vibrant atmosphere as you run through historical sites of eastern Paris, all whilst enjoying music and entertainment that is guaranteed to be performed along the whole course!

Are you ready to push your boundaries to the maximum in the city of love and lights?

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/harmonie-mutuelle-semi-de-paris/register

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

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.

Would you like to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday, 5th October 2025 for the OPA?

This is one of the UK’s largest road races, attracting thousands of runners each year. By running on behalf of OPA, you’ll not only be part of an incredible sporting event, but you’ll also be helping us raise vital funds 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 community making a real difference

How to get involved

If you’d like to run the Cardiff Half Marathon for us, please secure your place here- https://runforcharity.com/opa-cancer-charity/cardiff-half-marathon/1729082010704987

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

Are you ready to take on a challenge that tests your strength and supports a life-saving cause?

Join OPA Cancer Charity at the London to Amsterdam Bike Ride this Autumn and cycle to support those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers.

Why cycle for OPA?

Every mile you cycle will help fund early diagnosis efforts, vital patient support, and awareness campaigns that can save lives. Oesophageal and Gastric cancer is often detected too late — but with your help, we can change that.

When you cycle with Team OPA, you’ll receive:

✅ A free fundraising pack, including an OPA vest or t-shirt
✅ Dedicated fundraising support from start to finish
✅ The satisfaction of knowing your fundraising is making a real difference

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or taking on your first big ride, we’d love to have you on #TeamOPA!

📅 Event Date: 25th September ‐ 27th September 2025
📍 Location:  London – Dunkirk – Ouddorp – Amsterdam
🎽 Distance: 307 miles

👉 Sign up today to cycle for OPA and help us fight back against oesophageal and gastric cancer.
https://runforcharity.com/opa-cancer-charity/london-to-amsterdam-cycle-ride–4-day/1730462635480.6668

Make every mile matter. Cycle with purpose. Run with OPA.

Are you ready to take on a challenge that tests your strength and supports a life-saving cause?

Join OPA Cancer Charity at the Solihull Half Marathon this summer and run to support those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers.

Why Run for OPA?

Every mile you run will help fund early diagnosis efforts, vital patient support, and awareness campaigns that can save lives. Oesophageal and Gastric cancer is often detected too late — but with your help, we can change that.

When you run with Team OPA, you’ll receive:

✅ A free fundraising pack, including an OPA running vest or t-shirt
✅ Dedicated fundraising support from start to finish
✅ The satisfaction of knowing your run is making a real difference

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or tackling your first half marathon, we’d love to have you on #TeamOPA.

📅 Event Date: 10th August 2025
📍 Location: Solihull, West Midlands
🎽 Distance: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

👉 Sign up today to run for OPA and help us fight back against oesophageal and gastric cancer.
https://runforcharity.com/opa-cancer-charity/solihull-half-/1729682004164.3907

Make every mile matter. Run with purpose. Run with OPA.

Run the Nottingham Running Festival Half Marathon for OPA Cancer Charity!

Are you ready to take on a challenge that not only pushes your limits but also helps save lives?

OPA Cancer Charity is calling on supporters, runners, and everyday heroes to participate in the Nottingham Running Festival Half Marathon this summer – and run in aid of those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers.

Why run for OPA?
Every step you take, every mile you conquer, will help us raise funds to support early diagnosis, provide crucial patient resources, and fund life-saving awareness campaigns. Oesophageal cancer often goes unnoticed until it’s too late – but together, we can change that.

What you’ll get when you run with Team OPA:

  • A free fundraising pack, which includes an OPA Cancer Charity running vest or t-shirt

  • Fundraising support every step of the way

  • The knowledge that you’re making a real difference

Whether you’re an experienced runner or looking to take on your first half marathon, we want you on our team.

📅 Event Date: 3rd Aug 2025
📍 Location: Nottingham Racecourse,Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE
🎽 Distance: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

👉 Sign up now to run for OPA and help us beat oesophageal and gastric cancer:
Click here

Join #TeamOPA and make your run matter, together we can make a difference. 

Our OPA team had the privilege of attending the sensational stage adaptation of Peter James’s Picture You Dead at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, featuring our esteemed patron, Fiona Wade. We came together for a memorable evening filled with thrills, laughs, and exceptional performances.

The Story Behind the Play
Adapted by Shaun McKenna and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Picture You Dead marks the seventh stage adaptation of Peter James’s DSI Roy Grace novels. The gripping narrative kicks off when everyday couple Freya and Harry Kipling (portrayed by Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler) stumble upon what appears to be a decades-old masterpiece at a car boot sale—only to be plunged into the dark underworld of art forgery, murder, and deception. Meanwhile, seasoned detective DSI Roy Grace (George Rainsford) and DS Bella Moy (Gemma Stroyan) are on the case, tracing the painting’s trail into criminal intrigue.

OPA’s Take
Our OPA staff left the theatre thrilled by the clever plot, powerful performances, and the pure theatrical talent on display. Watching Fiona command the stage was a special highlight. We’re proud to see her shine in such a top-tier production, and grateful for the chance to support her artistic journey.

Tour Dates & Booking Info
Picture You Dead is performing at major venues throughout July. For dates and tickets, head to – https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/