An Olympic silver medallist will trek to Machu Picchu to fundraise for a cancer charity’s new research and treatment facility in Sutton.
World champion sprinter Iwan Thomas will join fundraisers for the mammoth hike in Peru in September to help fund The Royal Marsden’s new Oak Cancer Centre.
He will be raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Oak Centre Appeal.
The 48-year-old stopped by the construction site today, where he met with cancer patient Tara Kelly, 44 – who is also taking part in the journey to Machu Picchu.
She said: “Without The Royal Marsden and the support of its wonderful staff, I don’t think I would be here today.
“I’m really excited about this trek alongside Iwan. I’ve wanted to visit Machu Pichu for a long time to see the beautiful scenery, and I can’t wait to learn about Inca civilisation, Peruvian culture and to bath in a hot spring.
“I’m also looking forward to the unique bonds you make with others with a challenge like this.”
Tara was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019 and is currently undergoing clinical trials at The Royal Marsden.
The Oak Cancer Centre is scheduled to open next year and aims to bring 400 researchers and 350 clinical staff under one roof.
Iwan Thomas is a former 4 × 400 m relay world champion and was on the silver medal winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
He said: “Meeting Tara today was inspirational – her experience shows how important it is to support the Oak Cancer Centre Appeal so that we can speed up the research that’s needed to transform the lives of cancer patients around the world.”
Find out more about the fundraiser here.
