A HUGE congratulations to Duncan for this amazing achievement, we are so grateful you chose to support the OPA in your wonderful fundraising efforts!

“This was my third London Marathon, and for the first time, I secured a spot through the ballot—without any obligation to run for charity. However, after losing my dad suddenly last year to Oesophageal cancer, I felt compelled to do something meaningful. I researched the OPA Cancer Charity and knew immediately that raising awareness and funds for this devastating disease would be the right cause.

The crowd support throughout the course was absolutely world-class—every detail was so well-organized, from the start to the finish line. And, as a bonus, the sun was shining! ☀️

I definitely had to dig deep around mile 20, but when I reached mile 24, seeing my daughter and partner waiting for me was a moment I’ll never forget. We shared a few memorable moments together before I crossed that finish line.

I know Dad/Grandad would have been incredibly proud, looking down on us.

Now, I’m looking forward to a few days of rest before diving back into my fitness training routine!☺️” – Duncan McLaren

pic of for dad back of charity running top

Message from Sozanne Li, Jack’s Wife

“In loving memory of my one of a kind Dad – Tsapman Li who bravely battled Oesophageal Cancer for just over 2 years. My Husband- Jack Feltham, Sister- Suki and Friend- Matt will be taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Trek (25 miles trek / a total climb of 1,585 metres) to raise money for OPA Cancer Charity.

Oesophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide, and the 7th most common cause of cancer death around the world. Despite being so common, it is not as well-known as many other cancer types – and advanced oesophageal cancer can be aggressive and difficult to treat.

OPA Cancer Charity offered my family and Dad support and advice during this difficult time and we would love to support them so that they are able to continue providing these essential services.

Anything that you can donate to this page will make a huge difference.

Love you Dad, Miss you so much”

“My mum who is aged 84 was diagnosed last summer around August 2024 with oesophageal cancer and my sisters and I have been looking after her along with carers around day jobs and family life etc. We were shocked to find out last year that she had around 6 – 12 months to live. I hope that eventually there will be a cure for this awful disease because she now cannot eat without finding it challenging and her swallowing has been affected, but the protein drinks provided by NHS are helping. I’m really proud to be able to raise some money for this important cause of OPA Cancer Charity, and any sum submitted no matter how small will help.”- Emma Nicholson

Click here to support Emma’s fundraising page!

“I decided to run the Brighton Marathon to raise as much money as possible for OPA cancer charity following my dad’s diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in August last year. The past year has been incredibly difficult for my family. My dad has been facing tough treatments with incredible strength, and I wanted to do my part to help.

It has blown my mind how much we have raised for the charity – over four thousand pounds! Friends and family have really come together to donate and share over social media. My dad is well known and loved in the local community and this shows in the number of people who have donated.

I never thought I would ever run a marathon! I wasn’t very sporty in school and only started running the last couple of years. This was my first marathon and I’m glad I chose Brighton and to support such a worthwhile charity. It was a great weekend with uplifting crowds all along the course. The sunshine came out which was lovely to see but it was very difficult to run in! I really hope the money I have raised can make a difference.” – Nick Winter

“Running the Hackney Half in memory of my grandad who passed away from oesophageal cancer. He always showed up for me, whether it was sports competitions, parents evenings, picking me up from school – now it’s time to show up for him. We miss him every day.” – Laura

Click here to support Laura’s fundraising.

Update after the Marathon

The run went so well, I had such a great time too! So many spectators cheering us all on, it was lovely to see. More importantly felt special to do for such a great cause, one close to my heart.

Nancy’s Story

“My name’s Nancy Over, and I’ve set up this JustGiving fundraiser in memory of my Dad, Andrew Over. On September 3rd, 2024, at just 56 years old, my Dad passed away peacefully at home after his battle with oesophageal cancer, leaving behind my siblings, Toby and Darcy, and his partner, Al.

Oesophageal cancer is an incredibly aggressive disease and one that is usually caught too late. My Dad was diagnosed in December 2023 with what initially seemed like a positive prognosis, but in the following months, he was told it was terminal and was advised to make himself comfortable in hospice care. Despite everything that was thrown at him in his last nine months, his cheeky humour remained, and he didn’t complain once.

As you can imagine, this has left a huge hole in my siblings’ and my life, and we struggle to imagine a future without him. But we want to do everything we can to keep his name and memory alive.

On April 6th, I’ll be running the Brighton Marathon for the OPA Cancer Charity, which supports those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancer. Whilst it’s sadly too late for my Dad and our family, knowing that this money could help support other families going through such a gruelling experience means a lot to me. If you’re able to spare even just a couple of pounds, I’d be very grateful. Thank you x

My Dad would think I’m delusional for running a marathon – and he’s not wrong!!” – Nancy Over

Click here to support Nancy’s fundraising.

“We lost my dad in 2020 to Oesophageal cancer after a short battle.

I hadn’t previously heard of this type of cancer and don’t think it is spoken about enough despite being one of the most common cancers worldwide.

I’m fundraising for the OPA to help them raise awareness and support other families going through similar situations we had with my dad” – Alice Riley

If you would like to support Alice in her fundraising, please click here to view her Just Giving page.

“I completed the race in 2hrs 37mins. I’ve never ran further than 10 mile and only ever ran 10 mile once before so I’m really happy I managed to get through the whole race without stopping! The last half was tough but the support of local people and other people participating was fantastic, it really kept us going & I obviously kept reminding myself I was doing it for the OPA charity and for dad too”

The image above is of Matt.

Jonny’s Story – “This year I am raising money for OPA, a charity supporting the lives of those affected by Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer.

In October 2023 Matt, my brother in law was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment immediately. Oesophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive forms and unfortunately Matt lost his battle with Cancer on the 1st August at 10:48pm surrounded by his wife (my sister) Louise, their daughter ( my niece) and my mum.

This type of cancer unfortunately is super at aggressive and a lot of the time only picked up in the later stages. Matts diagnosis was in October, at that time we were told it had already spread around his body into his lymph nodes and he was stage 4 with a 2 year life expectancy.

Matt got 9 months and passed away at 48yrs old.

When going through this kind of journey what becomes apparent is the devastating effects it has, it’s like a tornado, not just the physical aspects but the mental aspect too. On one side your giving it everything you have to beat the unbeatable diagnosis, trying to stay positive and fight, and on the other you’re being told to get everything in order and spend quality time with your family while you have it.

The truth is, we all know someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by some form of Cancer. This year I am aiming to complete 5+ half marathons and looking to finish the year with a 50k+ challenge.” – Jonny Blake

So far, Jonny is taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Saucony 10k and is on the waiting list of a few others!

If you would like to support Jonny’s fundraising, click here.

Saucony 10k

“I ran in memory of one of my oldest friends, Paul Greaves that passed away last March (2024). Around Christmas last year he got a bad back and by the time he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer that had spread, it was too late to save him. He left a wife and 3 daughters and they nominated the charity after the support they received during this difficult time. Committing to this really focused my training and after never running more than 1km before 2023, I was up at 5.30am training 5 times a week.

I completed the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Half marathon in under two and a half hours which was my target and I’m grateful to everyone that supported and sponsored me along the way.” – Andrew Woodfine

“The Aintree Half Marathon run, well I think the images speak for themselves on that one 🤣.

Then the 100 mile bike ride with my husband James, my top with Vals on the front I bought that because it had my dad’s name on it, felt fitting to wear it even though it didn’t really fit me🤣. We got lost on that bike ride but persevered and made our way back to the finish line with our own 100 mile improvised route, we were that late back that everyone had packed up and gone home. But we pushed on with my dad watching over us probably laughing as he did🤣.

Then there was the Manchester half Marathon. I felt I needed to make it as ridiculous as I could and did, it was hard but the vibe from the crowd and fellow runners was inspiring, As was the Aintree half marathon, the marshals, fellow runners and spectators all made it that bit easier, and gave me that extra push when I was flagging.

A lot of it was a comedy of errors or even just pure comedy gold. But the beauty is not only did it give me a platform to give some rhyme or reason to my dad being inflicted with the horrible thing that is oesophagus cancer, but it also gave other people a platform to be able to do something for my Dad. But most importantly it brought people together making new memories, while having many laughs with my dads infectious cheeky, fun spirit being right there with us. Not forgetting hopefully raising awareness and a little money along the way.” – Karen Ryan