Category: Fundraising

We would like to sincerely thank Harvi Mehat for supporting OPA Cancer Charity and raising awareness of oesophageal cancer in memory of Uncle Bal. We send our very best wishes for the marathon.

Harvi’s Story

“This year, I’m running the Vienna Marathon in memory of my uncle Bal, who we sadly lost to oesophageal cancer. He was a kind, down to earth, and much-loved person, and his loss has had a lasting impact on our family. Taking on this challenge is my way of honouring him and turning that loss into something positive.

I’m raising money for the OPA Cancer Charity, a charity that supports patients and families while raising awareness of this often-overlooked disease. Every mile I run is for Bal, and any support would mean a great deal.”

Harvi’s Just Giving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/harvi-mehat-1

A huge thank you to Carissa for supporting the OPA Cancer Charity through your fundraising event, and for helping raise vital awareness of gastric (stomach) cancer. Your efforts truly make a difference.

Carissa’s Story

“Recently, a close friend was diagnosed with stomach cancer, one of the rarest cancers in the UK. Her strength throughout this process is unbelievably incredible and deeply inspiring to everyone around her.

Training for up to 8 weeks and soon to be stepping into the ring for Fight Night, I hope to raise awareness of stomach and gastrointestinal cancers. I’m fundraising for OPA Cancer Charity to help continue their amazing work for gastric cancer patients and families.

I’d be grateful for any donation, of any size, and for your support in sharing this page.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/carissa-hirt-1“

Thank you, Sam and James, for your incredible dedication and for running in memory of Tom. Your support helps us continue our work and makes a real difference for those affected by oesophageal cancer.

Sam’s Story

In autumn 2025, I sadly lost a close friend of mine Tom to Oesophageal Cancer at the age of 26. From the initial phone call from Tom to tell me he had this cancer to his sad passing, I began thinking of a way that I could support him and others also going through the same thing. I knew I wanted to raise awareness and raise money for a charity linked to this type of cancer. From my own research I came across the OPA cancer charity, and knew instantly that this was the charity I wanted to support. 

For my fundraising I set up a Just Giving page which I have shared with my family, friends and work colleagues. For the latter, I have also used the poster and donation box that were kindly sent by the charity and placed them in two different work sites as another way to raise awareness with my colleagues about my charity effort. 

In memory of our Tom, me and his cousin James (pictured) are going to be running the Sheffield Half Marathon at the end of the March. Tom was brought up and lived in the Sheffield area, so it felt fitting to run there in his memory. 

If you would like to support our effort, please follow the link below. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sam-warwick-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL 

Thank You. 

A Day to Remember

Yesterday me and James ran and completed the Sheffield Half Marathon in memory of our Tom. We ran together throughout and both crossed the line in 1 hour 39 minutes and 50 seconds. After we were met by many of Toms family who had come out to cheer us on before we headed for a celebratory lunch and drink afterwards. My parents travelled down from Cumbria to come and support as well. 

I am also very happy to announce that as of this morning we have raised over £2000 for the charity. We have been absolutely blown away by the generosity and support we have received throughout.

Sam Warwick 1
Sam Warwick 2
Sam Warwick 3
Sam Warwick 4
Sam Warwick 5
Sam Warwick 6
Sam Warwick 7
Sam Warwick 8
Chae’s Story

“Chae has signed up for a 5k in April to raise money in memory of his beloved Grandad Daryll, who we lost to stomach cancer back in 2023. As Chae is only 9, both myself and Sam will also be completing 5k. 🥵 Please help Chae hit his target and more importantly help support others struggling with this terrible disease.”

https://www.justgiving.com/page/elishia-smith-1

Everyone at OPA are inspired by Chae’s courage and commitment to making a difference. Taking on a 5K at just 9 years old is an incredible achievement, and we’re honoured to support him as he runs in memory of his Grandad Daryll. Thank you to all who are helping him along the way.

A huge thank you to Chloe for taking on the Paris Half Marathon in support of OPA Cancer Charity. By running 13.1 miles through Paris (in an incredible 2 hours 16 minutes), she has helped raise vital awareness and support for people affected by cancer. We are truly grateful for her dedication and determination – achievements like this truly make a difference. Well done, Chloe, and thank you for going the distance for OPA!

Chloe’s Story

“In June 2019, my Grandad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer after struggling to swallow his food. He underwent four rounds of chemotherapy before having surgery to remove the tumour.

During this difficult time, the OPA Cancer Charity reached out to offer invaluable support and guidance. Through the OPA, my Grandad connected with others who had been through similar experiences, helping him feel less alone on his journey.

In February 2025, we received the best news — my Grandad was discharged from oncology and declared cancer free.

Since then, my grandparents have continued to work closely with the OPA, raising awareness and supporting others facing their own cancer battles. I’m incredibly grateful for the care and encouragement the OPA provided to my Grandad and our family during such a challenging time.

Thanks to the OPA, there is now greater awareness of oesophageal cancer and its early symptoms, giving more people the chance of earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

I’m taking part in this event to help raise awareness and funds for the OPA so they can continue their amazing work supporting patients and families across the UK.

Every donation, big or small, helps the OPA continue their mission — thank you so much for your support!”

If you would like to support Chloe’s fundraising journey, please click here.

A huge thank you to Chloe Chivers for taking on the incredible Paris Half Marathon 2026 in support of the OPA Cancer Charity.

The Wizz Air Milano Marathon returns on April 12, 2026, with an edition that’s richer, more inclusive, and more exciting than ever: a true running festival that brings together thousands of participants every year: marathon runners, relay teams, families, and running lovers.

At the heart of it all is Italy’s fastest marathon: 42.195 km through the vibrant streets of Milan, along one of the most scenic and captivating routes in Europe, passing by the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The city will transform into an open-air celebration, with cheering zones, DJ sets, and the energy of the crowd making every step unforgettable. Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or running your very first marathon, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, feel Milan’s energy, and turn every kilometer into pure emotion.

Run where the heart of the city beats. Run where everything becomes possible. Live the Marathon Feeling.

12th Apr 2026
Minimum Age: 20
Location: Piazza Del Duomo, Milan

https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/opa-cancer-charity/wizz-air-milano-marathon-marathon/opa-cancer-charity-wizz-air-milano-marathon-marathon-second-reg-2

Bev’s Story

On 29th December my husband was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer after suffering with acid reflux for quite a while…we thought it was a hiatus hernia…we were right…but some cells had mutated and a tumor had formed at the base of his oesophagus. After a PET scan and a weeks anxious wait, it was confirmed that it hadn’t migrated and he could be operated on…the relief was immense. 

He has just had his first round of FLOT chemotherapy and so far he is well. 

In April 2008 my mum was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, unfortunately, unlike my husband, she couldn’t be cured and passed away on New Year’s Eve 2009. 

5 years later my eldest sister passed away from oesophageal cancer. 

So as you can see, I have had my fair share of heart break over this terrible disease….i know though that treatment has advanced so much since then & my husband is benefitting from all the research that has been done since 2008 when my lovely mum was diagnosed, I had never encountered cancer in my family before then. 

So, strangely I found the OPA on some bumf that we had been given at the hospital in one of the packs so I read up on it and it just so happened that February is oesophagal awareness month so I felt like I wanted to do my bit. 

I am a driving instructor and a few years ago I took part in something called the ‘Big Learner relay’ for children in need..it was a nationwide event where the founder, Louise Walsh, organised different instructors in different areas to drive from one town to the other with a special ‘top box’ on their car and pass it to another instructor where they would drive to another town and pass it on…so the top box, and Lou, did a big relay from one end of the country to the other, Lou sat in the ‘lead car’ with the top box on and there was a procession of driving instructors following, it was quite a site!!! Aswell as the special top box, all the cars in the procession bought ‘children in need’ coloured spots for their cars and kept them on while they were fund raising before the main event. 

Unfortunately, on the 10th year of the big learner relay, Lou passed away suddenly and the event hasn’t gone ahead since then…the driving instructor world was shocked at this and Lou has left a big hole that no one else can fill…so, like I said, I wanted to do my bit for OPA so, I dug my spots out and stuck them on my car & anyone who wants to sign a spot can donate to the charity…it’s great fun and my learners love having a spotty car to drive!! So here’s a couple of pictures of my car so you can see what it looks like and some of the big learner relay where the idea all started.

Thank You, Bev, your spotty car is spreading hope, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by oesophageal cancer. We’re so grateful for your energy, dedication, and heart — thank you for helping us drive change!

Thank you so much to everyone at Friends Music for their incredible support of the OPA Cancer Charity.

Friends Music organises a wonderful monthly series of concerts at the Quaker Meeting House in Welwyn Garden City, bringing people together through music while supporting meaningful causes.

In December, audiences were treated to a performance by Quatuor Petrus, led by Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Maxton Pitcher, who kindly chose to support the OPA Cancer Charity.

Thanks to this special evening, the OPA received a generous donation towards the important work we do, and we are truly grateful for the support. Fundraising efforts like this help us continue providing vital services and making a real difference for those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancers.

Our heartfelt thanks once again to Friends Music, Dr Pitcher, and everyone who attended and supported the concert — proof that music really can change lives.

Thank you so much to Simon, Moraig and Fiona for choosing to support the OPA Cancer Charity in your fundraising throughout December. We are so grateful!

“Our Dad and father in law, Ronald was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer in December 2010 when he was 56 years old. At the point of diagnosis unfortunately surgery was not possible. Dad bravely endured a year of treatment to give him some time with family, especially his young grandchildren. He sadly passed away on 17 December 2011. When we heard about OPA cancer charity we decided to fundraise as we recognise the work you do to prevent others from losing their loved ones like we have. Our Dad was amazing and we miss him every day. We are proud to walk 10km a day (Fiona is going 10k steps a day) to raise money and awareness for OPA cancer charity.”

Simon Piggot, Moraig Piggot & Fiona Small

Click here to view their fundraising page.

Thank you so much to Charlotte Clarke for completing the West Half Marathon for the OPA Cancer Charity. 

“I ran Weston Super Half Marathon in October. I raised money and chose to support the OPA as I sadly lost a family member, Kevin, to oesophageal cancer in early June. Kevin was a wonderful, kind person who was always a joy to be around and could bring the life and soul to any party with his dance moves. He has left an irreplaceable hole in my life, however, I hope that in supporting OPA, they will be able to continue to do important work which will enable less families to suffer heartbreak resulting from oesophageal cancer.” – Charlotte Clarke