Chamber president backs Cure Leukaemia chief’s 224-mile Run The Nations challenge
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Nasir Awan has thrown his support behind the boss of his chosen charity Cure Leukaemia, ahead of a gruelling 224-mile run during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
Run The Nations 2024 will see Cure Leukaemia chief executive James McLaughlin take on the extraordinary feat across 16 locations where the charity provides funding, throughout September.
The ambitious endeavour aims to raise £100,000, which would fund the equivalent of two Cure Leukaemia research nurses, while also supporting the fight for 250,000 people living with blood cancer across the UK.
James is embarking on the challenge to highlight the ongoing need for funding of specialist research nurses to enable blood cancer patients to access potentially life-changing therapies.
He will kick off his run from the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on Monday 9 September and make his way around 16 key locations – 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.
Run The Nations 2024 is due to finish in Manchester at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital on Monday 25 September, with the Birmingham leg taking place on Wednesday 18 September.
Nasir is backing James ahead of the run, having chosen Birmingham-headquartered Cure Leukaemia as the charity of the year for his GBCC presidency.
He said: “As a Birmingham-headquartered charity, Cure Leukaemia is putting our city-region on the map by leading the fight against a horrible, life-threatening illness which is affecting people around the world.
“I wish James all the very best as he spreads the charity’s message around the country by taking on such an incredible feat.
“I would encourage the business community to show their support for James as he highlights the need for ongoing funding of these highly-skilled nurses who can make a huge difference in improving the outcomes for blood cancer patients.”
James said: “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.”
The business community can get behind James through the following methods:
For more information about Run The Nations 2024: www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/events/run-the-nations
Cure Leukaemia is thrilled to announce that Cassidy Group has joined as a proud partner, taking on the role of back-of-shirt sponsor for the highly anticipated 'Run The Nations' event.
Hear the story of Keanu Black and his battle with Leukaemia, and why his parents, James and Hannah are getting behind Cure Leukaemia for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
