Courageous cancer survivor Findlay Young will arrive in the UK on Saturday 30th September to complete the final leg in his quest to run 24 half marathons in 24 consecutive days. Findlay’s ‘Great World Run‘ has taken him on a whistle-stop tour of 24 different locations in 12 countries on six continents – all to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The young Scot, 32, who has battled thyroid cancer twice in less than two years, will complete his challenge by taking part in the world’s biggest half marathon, the BUPA Great North Run, on Sunday 1st October.
Findlay has so far raised over £25,000 for Cancer Research UK and the money is still pouring in. He has received messages of support from celebrities including Olympic gold medallist Lord Sebastian Coe, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Little Britain star and Channel swimmer David Walliams, Cancer Research UK’s running ambassador Nell McAndrew and long distance running champion Haile Gebre Selassie.
Findlay, who lives in London, says: “Over the last 23 days I’ve experienced some of the greatest highs of my life. I’ve had the awesome experience of running around Ayers Rock and the beautiful bays in Auckland, New Zealand. I’ve run alongside the carnival in Rio, past reindeers in Alaska and through New York on 9/11.
“And no matter how much the jet lag, sunstroke, sickness, ulcers and blisters have hurt they’ve been eclipsed by the overwhelming help and support I’ve received from everyone.
“I’ve carried a mental picture of the Tyne Bridge in my mind to help me focus on my last run on Sunday. I know the feelings of joy and relief will be overwhelming when I see my family and friends waiting for me at the finish line.”
Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, says: “Findlay’s courage and commitment to supporting Cancer Research UK’s life saving work is inspirational. We’re very grateful for the time and energy he is devoting to raising money for research.”
Cancer Research UK is asking people to join the charity at the BUPA Great North Run to welcome Findlay home and support all the runners raising money for its vital research to beat cancer. For those who are not able to make it to Newcastle, Findlay’s homecoming will be shown during the BBC coverage of the run on Sunday.
It is not too late to make a donation and support Findlay please visit www.justgiving.com/greatworldrun or www.greatworldrun.com.
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For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with Findlay please contact Susie Rea in the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 7061 8479.
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Findlay’s remaining half marathons:
- 29th September – Athens, Greece
- 30th September – Amsterdam, Holland
- 1st October – BUPA Great North Run, UK
The cost of Findlay’s challenge is being supported by ICI Dulux, where he works as a management consultant.
About Cancer Research UK:
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer
- Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
- Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
- Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
- Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit our website.
