a marathon effort for everyman

Jonathan Kipling, Secretary of the Institute of Cancer Research, in his first marathon bid.

One of the brave individuals who will be pounding the capital's streets for over 26 miles is Jonathan Kipling, Secretary of the Institute of Cancer Research. At 47, Jonathan has decided to attempt his first ever marathon and hopes to raise close to £100 for every mile he runs in aid of everyman.

Despite having suffered several setbacks in training through injury, Jonathan is confident that he will complete the course.

"Working at the Institute, everyman is a cause which is very important to me and I am determined to make it to the finish line. I know that running the marathon is a massive challenge but we can rely on a brilliant support team to cheer us on to the end".

Richard Cochrane, ready to take up another challenge for everyman

Another of the everyman runners attempting his first marathon, is Richard Cochrane, a wine merchant from London.

Richard was diagnosed with cancer six years ago while studying at Oxford University. At the time, he was an apparently healthy, active member of the rowing team but had to undergo months of experimental chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, under the supervision of the Institute's Dr David Dearnaley, before making a full recovery.

Since then, he has not looked back and is approaching the marathon in typically positive spirits. "I wouldn't have beaten cancer without the dedication of the Institute staff. Now I have the opportunity to help others by running for everyman and I'm looking forward to the challenge".

Richard is no stranger to pushing himself to the limit when it comes to fundraising. Last year he made a successful assault on 5000 metre high Mount Kenya, in temperatures ranging from -20C to +30C, raising £6,000 for the everyman campaign in the process.

If you would like to support the everyman appeal by sponsoring Richard or Jonathan for the 1999 London Marathon, or if you would like to run for everyman yourself, please contact Matt Hodgkinson on 0171 878 3810.

spreading the word

When Wendy Gough's son, Matthew, died of testicular cancer just ten days after his nineteenth birthday, she was determined that other families would not suffer similar heartache.

By giving talks at local schools and distributing information leaflets, Wendy aims to make young men more aware of the dangers of testicular cancer if it is not diagnosed early enough. Her very personal, poignant message has proved so successful that she is now approached by young men thanking her for what she is doing and, importantly, to tell her that they are 'spreading the word'.

Matthew was a talented student at St Martin's College of Art, who are planning to hold an Annual Memorial Lecture. Wendy has kindly loaned us a selection of his work to use to promote the everyman appeal and we are indebted to her for the support and courage that she has shown in such tragic circumstances. Matthew's work will be on display at Whitehall in Cheam, from June 22nd to July 3rd.

blazing trail

April 20th sees cancer patient Brian Smith start out on the journey of a lifetime. He plans to walk 14 miles a day along Britain's longest national trail, the South West Coast Path, starting in Minehead and finishing some 48 days later in Poole - an incredible challenge, covering well over 600 miles.

Brian decided to combine this ambition with his wish to support the everyman campaign whilst undergoing radical surgery for prostate cancer last August. He hopes to raise awareness of male cancers and also funds for vital research. To date he has received pledges totalling almost £2,000.

If you would like to sponsor Brian, please contact him on 01252 677 097 or call us on 0171 878 3810.