Cancer survivor runs London Marathon to raise funds for The Christie

An Altrincham man who was one of the first people to be treated with a pioneering new form of cancer treatment will take part in tomorrow’s Virtual London Marathon. 

Mark Hunter, 62, is raising funds for The Christie, where he received a highly complex and innovative treatment that saved his life.   

The father-of-three has raised over £6,000 so far, and will run his own marathon route along the Trans Pennine Trail.

Mark said: “The Christie has given me so much, this is my way of saying thank you. I can’t express enough the gratitude I have for everyone involved in my care.

“Exercise has been a big part of my return to health and I am back to running on a daily basis, which is bringing so many benefits both physically and emotionally.”

Mark was given the CAR-T treatment for lymphoma, a blood cancer, last December. 

The pioneering treatment involves removing immune cells and modifying them in a laboratory so they can recognise cancer cells. The treatment was only approved by the NHS last year. 

Since receiving the treatment, Mark, a dentist by profession, has been in remission.

He will start the marathon near Atlantic St, Altrincham, at 10:30am on Sunday, accompanied by his running pals. 

The 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon is the 40^th race, but the first one held virtually. Up to 45,000 runners over the country and across the world will participate. 

Mark said: “The Virtual London Marathon will be my biggest challenge so far.

“I know it won’t be easy but I have a sense of adventure and determination that will get me round.

“My time is not important, however, the fundraising is and I want to pay back in a small but significant way for all the love and care that has allowed me to have a second chance.”

Mark can be sponsored here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkJHunter

For more information on The Christie charity, visit here: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity