Chinwag Spring 2019

Christie charity news

Pharmacy chief to tackle gruelling race for charity

An Alpine adventure Christie staff are joining forces to take on an epic trek through the Alps in September. Rob has undergone a rigorous training programme which recently included a warm weather camp in Lanzarote. He has also been training in a special heat chamber at Manchester Metropolitan University where he has been supported by the sport science team and the Manchester Institute of Health Performance. He said: “It is hard to put into words just how much I am looking forward to testing myself in the Sahara. As Chinwag went to print, The Christie’s director of pharmacy, Professor Rob Duncombe, was taking on one of the toughest ultramarathon races on the planet to raise funds for our charity. The Marathon des Sables – or Marathon of the Sands – is a 156 mile race through the Sahara Desert and is regarded by many as the most physically and mentally challenging event of its kind. The six day race in Southern Morocco sees competitors carry all their own food and equipment in scorching temperatures which regularly top 50 degrees centigrade.

“Working at The Christie does bring home to me some of the challenges our patients face every day, and while for me the MDS will last just seven days, for them, the challenge of living with cancer is far, far bigger than what I will be going through.” He is aiming to raise more than £10,000 for The Christie charity’s clinical trials fund by taking part in the race. Rob also had the opportunity to film a short training video with BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth, who gave him lots of helpful tips. The video can be viewed at https:// vimeo.com/317071590/97cc555ca9

He can be sponsored at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ robert-duncombe4

So far at least half a dozen members have staff have signed up for this breathtaking trek which covers 46km through the Mont Blanc region of the Alps, and takes in three countries in just three days. And they will also be joined by long term Christie supporter and BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman in the challenge. The team has already started training and is planning events together to ensure they will be fit for the trip. Andy Edgeworth in the communications team is one of the eager entrants. He said: “Every pound raised will support the redevelopment of our CT department” which you can read further details about on page 6. If you love a challenge, are thirsty for adventure and want to support the fight against cancer then come and join Team Christie. For more information, please contact Lindsey Farthing in The Christie charity.

Help patients whilst potentially winning £25,000!

Choose your distance, choose The Christie! Join an army of Team Christie supporters and put your best foot forward at Manchester’s biggest and best day of running at the Great Manchester Run in May. With a half marathon and the legendary 10k distance to choose from, it is the perfect event for you to achieve your running goals. Whichever route you choose, the extra special atmosphere and Team Christie encouragement will ensure you never forget crossing that famous finish line!

Play The Christie’s Weekly Lottery for a chance to win a life-changing £25,000 and help cancer patients at The Christie. Every £1 line you play helps fund The Christie’s life-changing work – and gives you the chance to win cash prizes up to a whopping £25,000! It’s simple to join. Sign up at www.christies.org/lottery

Fancy the challenge? A limited number of free charity places are available for both distances on May 19th. For more information and to sign up visit www.christies.org/GMR

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