In its 12th year raising money for The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the Climb of Life has reached the tremendous milestone of raising over £1 million.
Around 120 employees from the UK Business Supplies Industry took part in the Cumbrian challenge. They raised £103,325 this year, bringing the total over £1 million.
Several members of the ICR team joined in the fundraising effort, including Chief Executive Professor Paul Workman and his wife Liz, Dr Irene Chong and our Chief Operating Officer Dr Charmaine Griffiths.
The walking event offered 12 routes of different levels of challenge, organised and led by expert group leaders and all beginning from base in Grasmere, Cumbria.
Ten of the groups climbed the big mountains, Helvelyn, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes, while others carried out more gentle walks along locations such as Helm Crag and Gibson Knott.
At the end of the walk, all teammates enjoyed an evening at the event’s partner hotel of 26 years, The Swan Hotel, Grasmere.
Making the discoveries that defeat cancer
Chief Executive Professor Paul Workman said: “It is fantastic to see Graeme and his fellow climbers’ hard work pay off with the amazing achievement of reaching £1 million raised for the ICR and our pioneering cancer research. It was a pleasure to join the group for the fourth year running with my wife, Liz. The atmosphere is always amazing and hugely inspiring.
“The £1 million raised so far from the Climb of Life continues to make a huge difference at the ICR as we work to achieve our mission of making the discoveries that defeat cancer.
“Their support is especially important if we are to overcome our greatest challenge – the ability of cancers to adapt, evolve and become resistant to treatment. On behalf of the whole of the ICR, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Dedication and motivation
The Climb of Life would not be possible each year without the dedication and motivation of the event’s leader and dedicated ICR fundraiser Graeme Chapman, MBE, who once again organised the event this year. We would like to thank Graeme and all of the Climb of Lifers for their hard work over the years.
Graeme Chapman MBE, organiser of the Climb of Life said:
“My father died of cancer, which was one of the main drivers in choosing the ICR, as well as the knowledge that 95% of our fundraising would go directly to cancer research.
“I am delighted that I selected them, in view of their dedication and imaginative and determined approach to research into cancer and their willingness to interact and share with our trekking fundraisers. All the ICR staff that I have met are enthusiastic and lovely people.”
Get involved
If you have been inspired by the Climb of Life and would like to fundraise for the ICR, find out more on our Sport and Challenges page.
You can also contact Heather Lacey, Supporter Events Manager, by email [email protected] or call 020 7153 5375 for more information.