My motivation to support Pancreatic Cancer UK

Hi, I'm Oli (nicknamed Olifax by my friends after my obsession with Halifax when I relocated 10 years ago).

Thanks for reading about why I'm doing this.  I turn the big 5-0 in September 2026 and my original plan was to celebrate with The Polar Bear Challenge as my first overseas race (a marathon and half-marathon on subsequent days in Greenland in October 2026).

I still plan to do this but my motivation has shifted - because life constantly nudges us to change direction as we head along the path we originally planned out…

When I started as manager for a small local charity in January 2024, I was almost immediately faced with a grieving team when my predecessor passed away from pancreatic cancer on my 3rd day in the job.

For an empath, it isn't easy to support people in such a situation when your very presence reminds them of who they've lost.  Despite this, the team collectively navigated the challenge and have been an incredible support to each other as they processed their loss.

A year later another colleague received a breast cancer diagnosis.  They have shown amazing resilience to successfully move through treatment and return to work, again with amazing support from colleagues.

Then, just as the team were coming to terms with that situation, a further colleague (we'll call her Wendy) received the body blow that she also has pancreatic cancer.

There are no words for such a situation.  For a team dedicated to helping others it is desperately unfair to have them do so when on such an emotional rollercoaster supporting their colleagues.

At times like this it just feels right to do something practical to help.  Wendy not only backs my wish to fundraise but also had no hesitation to name Pancreatic Cancer UK as her nominated charity because of the support they are giving her. 

So how will your donation help?

Donating today will have a transformative impact on early detection research.

Pancreatic Cancer UK are taking on one of the toughest cancers.  They provide expert support and information, fund ground-breaking research, and campaign for change across the UK.  Because people with pancreatic cancer deserve more.

More hope.

More breakthroughs.

More time.

And thanks to compassionate people like you, they're making that possible.

Right now, over 80% of people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too late to receive potentially lifesaving treatment.  The symptoms are vague and non-specific, making early diagnosis incredibly difficult.

But there is hope with over £7 million invested into cutting edge research to detect pancreatic cancer earlier.

A first of its kind breath test could be in the hands of GPs within the next 5 years, giving more people access to a diagnosis at the first sign of symptoms.  And it’s one of many projects researchers are working on.

From blood tests, to monitoring those at more risk, PCUK's researchers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You can find out more here - Our impact together - Pancreatic Cancer UK

It is crucial to maintain momentum to drive forward the breakthroughs that are so desperately needed, which could save thousands of lives every year.

Thank you for your support.

Running Races Planned

The plan is to run at least one race a month in 2026, including The Polar Bear Challenge, and with at least one in every country of the UK:

Jan 2026

The Hebden 2026.  A 22 mile trail race in West Yorkshire (17/1/26 - booked).

Feb 2026

Rombolds Stride 23.  A 23 mile trail race in West Yorkshire (7/2/26 - booked).

Mar 2026

Alnwick Castle Half Marathon, Northumberland.  Trail race with some Harry Potter / Downton Abbey magic from the spectacular castle backdrop (15/3/26 - booked).

Apr 2026

1) Giant’s Causeway 20.  A 20 mile trail race along the north coast of Northern Ireland.  Will be my first visit to this country and a UK bucket list check off (11/4/25 - booked).

2) London Marathon My Way.  Running a marathon on the same day as London Marathon for official London Marathon recognition.  Planning to either run the actual route starting at 4am (I did this in 2024) or running it backwards starting at midnight (26/4/26 - booked).

May 2026

1) Apocalypse Ultramarathon.  A four-loop trail course based around the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  A hilly trail race with option to run between 10-50 miles (9/5/26 - booked).

2) Zamek w Malborku Parkrun.  Aiming to complete my first Parkrun alphabet with a 'Z' in Poland over the May Bank Holiday weekend.  Doubling up as an early birthday celebration (23/5/26 - travel to be booked).

Jun 2026

Sundowner Trail Marathon.  A couple of weeks before the summer equinox this trail race sees runners head off into a (hopefully) beautiful sunset in Essex (6/6/26 - booked).

Jul 2026

Endure 24 Leeds.  As a team we will try and complete as many 8km loops of Bramham Park as we can in the 24 hours (4-5/7/26 - booked).

Aug 2026

Pennine Trail Marathon.  This challenging trail along part of the Pennine Way was my first trail marathon in 2025 and I’m hoping to give it another go (tbc as awaiting entries to open).

Sep 2026

Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon.  Up to Inverness for a road marathon as the Scottish leg of my challenge (27/9/26 - booked).

Oct 2026

The Polar Bear Challenge.  Toughest two races of the year, a marathon and half marathon on consecutive days in sub-zero temperatures on the polar ice cap in Greenland (tbc last weekend of October 2026, opens December 2025).

Nov 2026

Conwy Castle Half Marathon.  Another castle but this time on the road for my first full race in Wales - although I did enter Wales briefly as part of Chester Marathon in October 2025 (15/11/26 - booked).

Dec 2026

tbc but I anticipate another half marathon.