Ellise Strickland

Why World Cancer Research Fund?

My dad and I are running the London Marathon this year for World Cancer Research Fund.

Cancer touches almost every family in some way — whether through personal experience or someone close to us. Every day in the UK around 1,100 people are told they have cancer, and research shows that more than 400 of those cases could have been prevented. That’s thousands of lives every year that didn’t need to change in this way.

World Cancer Research Fund doesn’t just fund vital research into prevention — they also help people understand how lifestyle choices can reduce risk, and support those trying to rebuild life after diagnosis. 

So many people survive cancer now, but survival isn’t the end of their story. Friends and family often say they’re grateful to be here — but then struggle with how to live after cancer and the physically, emotionally, and financially impact it has had.

By supporting this charity, you’re helping fund evidence-based research, influence health policy, and give people the tools to live longer, healthier lives. I’m running to help close that gap — between surviving cancer and truly living again. If you’re able to donate, you’re helping turn research into real change for families facing one of life’s hardest moments.

For the people that know me and dad you’ll know we hate running and this has been even harder than we ever imagined it could be but I can’t even imagine the challenges people face when they, or someone they love are diagnosed with cancer.