An Altrincham man who was one of the first people to be treated with a pioneering new form of cancer treatment will take part in tomorrow’s Virtual London Marathon.
Mark Hunter, 62, is raising funds for The Christie, where he received a highly complex and innovative treatment that saved his life.
The father-of-three has raised over £6,000 so far, and will run his own marathon route along the Trans Pennine Trail.
Mark said: “The Christie has given me so much, this is my way of saying thank you. I can’t express enough the gratitude I have for everyone involved in my care.
“Exercise has been a big part of my return to health and I am back to running on a daily basis, which is bringing so many benefits both physically and emotionally.”
Mark was given the CAR-T treatment for lymphoma, a blood cancer, last December.
The pioneering treatment involves removing immune cells and modifying them in a laboratory so they can recognise cancer cells. The treatment was only approved by the NHS last year.
Since receiving the treatment, Mark, a dentist by profession, has been in remission.
He will start the marathon near Atlantic St, Altrincham, at 10:30am on Sunday, accompanied by his running pals.
The 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon is the 40th race, but the first one held virtually. Up to 45,000 runners over the country and across the world will participate.
Mark said: “The Virtual London Marathon will be my biggest challenge so far.
“I know it won’t be easy but I have a sense of adventure and determination that will get me round.
“My time is not important, however, the fundraising is and I want to pay back in a small but significant way for all the love and care that has allowed me to have a second chance.”
Mark can be sponsored here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkJHunter
For more information on The Christie charity, visit here: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity
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