Fundraiser ‘Hollywood’ Dave runs an incredible 11 marathons for the ICR this year

Video: Dave Griffiths tells us why he started his marathon challenge

Inspirational fundraiser ‘Hollywood’ Dave Griffiths has finished a heroic 11 marathon challenge to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research, London.

His incredible feat has raised around £7,000 for the ICR – and included an epic 70-mile ultra-marathon as well as ten 26-mile races.

Dave recently visited our Chester Beatty Laboratories in Chelsea to see first-hand some of the research he is helping to support.

In April last year, Dave’s wife Michelle was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Dave took on the challenge to help Michelle through treatment, as he simultaneously battled through the training and races.

You can donate to Dave’s fundraising effort on Justgiving.

Clockwise from top left (click for larger versions): Dave with medals, running London Marathon, running Greater Manchester Marathon, crossing finish line in Snowdonia Marathon with wife Michelle, running Yorkshire Marathon.

Dave took part in:

• Snowdonia Brooks Marathon Eryri
• Birmingham International Marathon
• Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon
• Ely 'Monster' Marathon
• Hadrian's Wall 'The Wall' (70 mile ultra)
• Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon
• Shakespeare Marathon
• Belfast City Marathon
• Virgin Money London Marathon
• Brighton Marathon
• ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon

Fundraising for our world-leading research

Dave Griffiths looks back on one of the hardest marathon moments he experienced:

“During marathon number seven in Ely, Cambridge, I tore my calf muscle at mile six. I thought it was cramp, I stopped and stretched out but it wasn’t going away.

“I had an ultra-marathon runner running with me and he kept me going. I was never going to stop and I was just thinking about what we’re going through and the ICR, sucked it up, and got it finished!”

Charlotte Orrell-Jones, Head of Events at the ICR, said:

“We are extremely grateful to the efforts of fundraisers like Dave. It means we can continue to take our world-leading research from the lab to the clinic. We are immensely proud of Dave’s massive running achievement.”

Research at the ICR is underpinned by generous contributions from our supporters. Find out more about how you can contribute to our mission to make the discoveries to defeat cancer.

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Challenge yourself in 2018

If you’re looking to challenge yourself, or make a New Year’s resolution in 2018, why not pick one of our sports and challenges events and fundraise for the ICR.

We have a wide variety of challenges available across the globe throughout the year. Whether it’s a running, cycling or trek event, you can make a difference and support our ground-breaking cancer research.