Cure Leukaemia Chief Executive to run 224 miles to fund Research Nurses across the UK

Cure Leukaemia is proud to launch Run The Nations 2024, which will see Chief Executive, James McLaughlin, running an extraordinary 224 miles across 16 locations throughout Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September – an 80% increase on his 2023 feat! This ambitious endeavour aims to raise £100,000, funding the equivalent of two Cure Leukaemia research nurses, to support the fight for the 250,000 people living with blood cancer across the UK.

An avid runner, James will embark on this challenging journey to highlight the importance of the ongoing need for funding of specialist research nurses to enable blood cancer patients to access potentially life changing therapies, improving the outcomes for patients with blood cancer across the UK.

James McLaughlin, CEO of Cure Leukaemia, commented: "I am honoured to take on this challenge and run for the countless individuals affected by blood cancer. Every step of this journey is dedicated to the patients, families, and medical professionals who inspire us daily. Through Run The Nations we hope to not only raise vital funds but also amplify the voices of those who need our support the most."

At the launch of Run The Nations at the Centre of Clinical Haematology in Birmingham, Professor Charlie Craddock CBE added: “The mere statement that James is running to centres across the UK underlines the importance of collegiality and the importance of working together to improve patient outcomes.”

James will kick off his run from the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and make his way around 16 key locations, engaging with local communities, patients, clinicians and supporters at each hospital, running an average of 14 miles in each location to signify that every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer.

James will also endure two gruelling isolation legs in London and from Leeds to Sheffield to reflect patients who endure the mental and physical struggles of treatment in isolation.

Speaking on his time in isolation during his treatment, Geoff Thomas MBE added: “Isolation days often stretch longer than a day for blood cancer patients. It’s tough, it’s a mental strain and you look forward to the nurses and doctors coming in because that’s your day and you’re ticking off every minute.”

Run The Nations 2024 will culminate in a grand finale event in Manchester, celebrating the collective effort to combat blood cancer with the aim of hitting the £100,000 fundraising target.

Cure Leukaemia invites everyone to get behind James

• Donate: Contributions can be made through the official Run The Nations 2024 Just Giving page.
• Join the Run: Lace up your trainers and join James on one or more legs of Run The Nations where you can tackle the full days route or a 5km loop.
• Sponsor: Get your brand in front of audiences across the UK with headline, shirt and day sponsorship available.

For more information about Run The Nations 2024, including route details and how to get involved, please visit www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/events/run-the-nations

About Run The Nations

224 Miles, 16 locations, 1 goal.

Date

Location

Distance

Monday 9th September

Cardiff

14 miles

Tuesday 10th September

Bristol

14 miles

Wednesday 11th September

Southampton

14 miles

Thursday 12th September

Surrey / London

28 miles

Friday 13th September

Rest Day

–

Saturday 14th September

London

15 miles

Sunday 15th September

Rest Day

–

Monday 16th September

Cambridge

14 miles

Tuesday 17th September

Oxford

12 miles

Wednesday 18th September

Nottingham

7 miles

Wednesday 18th September

Birmingham

7 miles

Thursday 19th September

Belfast

14 miles

Friday 20th September

Dublin

14 miles

Saturday 21st September

Glasgow

14 miles

Sunday 22nd September

Rest Day

–

Monday 23rd September

Newcastle

14 miles

Tuesday 24th September

Leeds & Sheffield

33 miles

Wednesday 25th September

Manchester

10 miles