Fundraiser spotlight.

Meet our first fundraisers

Running for research

Photo of Christina and Mandy smiling and wearing black caps with red and white embroidered names, one says "MANDY" and the other "CHRIS". They are indoors, standing close to each other, with a wooden cabinet in the background.

Research is a guiding light bringing hope that one day there is a future where these oncogene cancers no longer pose a threat.

Two pink quotation marks on a black background.
Three women wearing reindeer antler headbands and festive clothing, smiling in a kitchen, with a small dog at their feet.

Mandy and Christina at Christmas with Yvonne, living with ALK+ lung cancer

Christina Roberts and Mandy Tafler, two friends who live in London with their families, were motivated to run the Paris Marathon to support oncogene-driven lung cancer research. Courageously, the fact they have little marathon experience is no deterrent. They are sprinting into action to speed up outcomes for people like their friend Yvonne, diagnosed two years ago with an advanced oncogene lung cancer.

Our marathoner Christina and a her teenage son standing on a city street with red-brick buildings and parked cars in the background.

Christina (L), with her son Roman

Christina, a mother of three, tennis fanatic and executive in a travel business, says, “To be honest, I agreed to run the Paris Marathon one night after a few glasses of wine. At the time, it seemed like a fabulous idea. The next morning, I was not so sure. But my competitive and stubborn spirit kicked in. Whilst it is no easy feat, this is nothing compared to the struggles people will face in their lives after being diagnosed with an oncogene-driven lung cancer.”

Our marathoner Mandy taking a selfie in workout attire, smiling, in a room with a pink chair, bookshelf, and various items.

Mandy, all taped up and ready to run

Mandy, an energetic mother of three, who loves to dance and wanted to transfer those steps into a challenge, adds, “After running the London Marathon, I wanted to embark on a new city with a new goal, raising money for something closer to home. Before Yvonne’s diagnosis of stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer in 2021, I never knew that lung cancer could affect healthy people who never smoked. That said, no one deserves lung cancer and more has to be done. It’s heart breaking to know that while research has led to great treatments, eventually these medications will stop working and there will be no further options.”

Don’t lose hope.

Pink quotation marks on a black background.
Two gray baseball caps with embroidered red and white text. One cap says "CHRIS" and the other "MANDY."

Mandy and Christina are aware that today most people will have been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly. Adding, “Research is our guiding light bringing hope that one day there is a future where these oncogene cancers no longer pose a threat.”

 Mandy adds, “If you have been diagnosed, please do not lose hope. You are not alone and do not have to go through this alone. Focus on one day at a time and celebrate the small victories along the way.”

Night view of the Eiffel Tower illuminated with yellow lights, standing tall against the dark sky, with reflections in the water below.

Next stop Paris on 7 April

Research matters

Christina says, “To the researchers and scientists, the work you do is important and matters.  Thank you for your unwavering commitment to finding a cure for oncogene-driven cancers.  Keep pushing the boundaries of science and know that you are making a real difference!  It offers hope that tomorrow will be brighter, and that less people will be affected by cancer and that they will be able to live fuller, longer lives. Also, those left behind will not know the pain and heartbreak of losing loved ones.”

Please support our first fundraisers Christina and Mandy with any donation and creating more awareness of their marathon.  

Donate to Christina and Mandy's fundraiser

March 2024