Why every step counts: The impact of the TCS London Marathon on life saving research

However, a revolutionary breath test for early detection could be a game-changer. This promising development has been partly funded by the dedicated participants of the TCS London Marathon, who are running on behalf of our 2025 Charity of the Year, Pancreatic Cancer UK.

“While we've seen remarkable progress in the battle against common cancers over the past 50 years, pancreatic cancer has been left behind,” says Victoria Askew, Senior Marketing Campaign Manager at Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a lump, also known as a tumour or mass. There are various types of pancreatic cancer, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma being the most common. The symptoms can include indigestion, abdominal or back pain, changes in bowel movements, unintentional weight loss, and jaundice.

“Someone might have spoken to their GP about these vague symptoms which could be explained by any number of factors but by the time these symptoms progress and they’ve finally been given a diagnosis it's far too late for them to receive any meaningful treatment,” Victoria says.

That’s why the charity has focused on developing groundbreaking early detection research so a diagnosis can be given much sooner.

Victoria is talking about the simple non-invasive breath test that could show early signs of pancreatic cancer, making it significantly easier to treat and cure. 

“The process is simple,” she says. “If they are showing some of those early signs, the patient would breathe into a bag at their GP surgery. This sample would be sent to the lab for analysis which would show whether cancerous biomarkers are present, giving patients the chance to receive life-saving treatment much sooner in their journey.

“We hope to put this test into the hands of GPs at a very low cost - just £10 to £12 per test.”

Pancreatic Cancer UK saw the Charity of the Year partnership as the perfect opportunity to raise the much-needed funds for their ongoing research into this promising test.

Through the partnership, the charity was given 250 places in the 2025 TCS London Marathon. An additional 248 ballot-place runners have signed up to also fundraise for the charity, with 105 running in the MyWay event.

Victoria says many of the participants have firsthand experience of pancreatic cancer and emotional support has been integral to their marathon journey.  

“It’s not just about running,” explains Victoria. “There's also a lot of emotional support that needs to be provided as many of them have faced such tragedy.”

The charity hosted two in-person training sessions, as well as regular online sessions to talk about fundraising, training and mental wellbeing.

Pancreatic Cancer UK also saw the TCS London Marathon and the international attention it generates as an opportunity to create greater awareness of the symptoms people should watch out for.

“The size of the opportunity is huge - not just from an income perspective, but also from an awareness perspective,” explains Victoria.

“We want people to learn about and understand the symptoms and to know that we are here for them if they are ever faced with this awful disease.”

In the lead up to Marathon Day, Pancreatic Cancer UK placed 797 pairs of shoes in Potters Field Park to represent the lives lost to the disease each month, as the charity called on the government to make early diagnosis a priority.

The shoes were adorned with messages of love and remembrance from those who have lost friends and family to the disease.

Victoria says a message from a mother who lost her son before his 30th birthday has stayed with her. The message read: In loving memory of my son James, who died 13th of September 2024, aged 29. 

“We are at the forefront of groundbreaking research that has the potential to save thousands of lives,” says Victoria. 

“However, we also need the government's support to make early diagnosis a reality. That's why we've launched a campaign to rally the public to help ensure that early diagnosis becomes a government priority."

You can sign the open letter on the Pancreatic Cancer UK site.

Victoria’s top piece of advice for charities planning to apply is to give it their all.

“Be prepared to throw yourself into it wholeheartedly,” she says.

“We have poured our hearts and souls into this partnership to make sure that we're making the most of this huge opportunity. I don't think we will walk away after the marathon feeling like there's anything we haven't done.” 

Are you ready to make a profound difference? 

Join us in this exciting opportunity to drive meaningful change and leave a legacy of positive transformation. 

Read more about the application process on our Charity of the Year page.