Cancer—a word no one wants to hear, yet so many of us have been touched by it. At Harwoods Group, Cancer Research UK is a charity that resonates deeply with many of us, as we all know someone who has faced this battle. This September, our Sales & Marketing Director, Clare Freemantle, is taking on an extraordinary challenge: running 100 miles to raise funds for this crucial cause and to support our JLR Marketing Executive, Katie Roberts, following her recent diagnosis. Please show your support and help fund life-saving research by donating whatever you can to Clare's page below.

100 miles, One Mission: Defeating Cancer Together

Cancer affects us all, whether through personal battles or witnessing the struggles of those we love. For Clare, this reality hits especially close to home. Her father has survived cancer three times, and she has lost all her grandparents to the disease, making Cancer Research UK a cause that is close to her. When a member of her team was also diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer, Clare knew she wanted to show her support and help make a difference. Having taken up running two years ago, she saw the 100-mile September challenge as the perfect opportunity to make a difference. Every donation, no matter the amount, plays a crucial role in the fight against cancer. Your support is not just appreciated—it's essential. Let’s all rally behind Clare on this journey and help fund life-saving research. Together, we can make a difference!

Katie's story

In June 2024, Katie experienced difficulty breathing and was taken to hospital, where doctors initially suspected an asthma attack. However, after a series of tests and a detailed chest X-ray, they discovered a mass, roughly the size of a small melon, next to Katie’s heart. This was suspected to be lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. At the time, Katie was also 12 weeks pregnant.

Over the next month, Katie remained in hospital, receiving round-the-clock care and support from the wonderful nurses, her partner Wilf, and her family and friends. Further testing confirmed the diagnosis of stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Now back at home, Katie is focusing on her health, undergoing weekly chemotherapy, and taking time to rest for both herself and her baby. She continues to work for JLR, finding comfort in maintaining her daily routine. Despite these unexpected challenges, Katie and her baby are doing well. She’s responding well to treatment and continues to maintain her usual positive and happy outlook—a testament to her resilience and strength.

Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their habits or age. At just 29, Katie had no symptoms and has always led an active, healthy life—she rarely drinks, doesn’t smoke or vape, and takes good care of herself. Hodgkin’s lymphoma commonly affects individuals between 15 and 34, as well as those over 60. Fortunately, advancements in cancer treatment over the past 15-20 years have been nothing short of remarkable. Breakthroughs in medical research, coupled with the dedication and expertise of healthcare professionals, have led to significant improvements in survival rates and a wider array of treatment options. What was once a diagnosis shrouded in uncertainty and fear is now often met with genuine hope and a real possibility of recovery. Patients today have access to targeted therapies, personalised medicine, and cutting-edge treatments that were unimaginable just a few decades ago.

However, this progress would not be possible without the ongoing support for organisations like Cancer Research UK. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in funding the research that drives these life-saving innovations. It supports the scientists working tirelessly in labs, the development of new treatments, and the continuous improvement of cancer care. By contributing, you are directly impacting the future of cancer treatment, giving hope to countless individuals and helping to bring us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a fearsome diagnosis but a conquerable challenge.