Celebrity support is mounting behind TeamPB – the runners who will take on the Virgin London Marathon in 2012 to fight both breast and prostate cancer – and there is still chance for people to join them
A host of famous faces have pledged to back what is hoped will be a record breaking team, uniting behind both The Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care.
In what will be a historic year for sport in the UK, the two charities are proud to be working in unison as the official joint charities of the marathon, raising money for people affected by the most common cancers in men and women, respectively, in the UK.
Potential marathon runners could be part of TeamPB by applying for one of their much sought after guaranteed places through the Gold Bond scheme. Details are on www.TeamPB.org.uk and applications close on 31st October. There will be an unrivaled programme of support for TeamPB runners, helping everyone to reach their personal best.
Star of ITV1’s Coronation Street, Tupele Dorgu, is among the first to don her running shoes and sign up to the team. She said: “I’m quite daunted as I’ve never run a marathon before, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I will be running in TeamPB alongside people with breast or prostate cancer, so it is going to be a very inspiring and motivating experience. If anyone feels like making a difference, I hope they join us. Go on!”
Dave Prowse, better known as Darth Vader of Star Wars fame, is hoping ‘the force’ will be with TeamPB. Prowse, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 said:
“The force is strong with The Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer who look set to raise a record breaking amount at the Virgin London Marathon 2012 with TeamPB; their army of runners. For anyone who is thinking of running the marathon next year, guaranteed places are available with TeamPB, and believe me when I tell you, it is your destiny, and you’ve got the support of Darth Vader behind you!”
Breast Cancer Care’s Ambassador Jonathan Ansell is hoping to beat last year’s time. He said: “I ran the last London Marathon for Breast Cancer Care with my friend Ollie and it was an amazing experience. My aunt died of breast cancer so Breast Cancer Care is a charity very close to me and my family. The support they offer to anyone affected by the disease is incredible and I do everything I can to help them raise the money they need to continue to provide their services for free. When I heard that Breast Cancer Care was to be one of the official charities naturally I wanted to get involved and I’m already in training to run again as part of TeamPB. It’s a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness of both breast and prostate cancer and hopefully raise a lot of money too. There are still places if you want to join me?”
The team also has a number of incredible mentors on board from the worlds of running, fitness, nutrition, radio, television, including coaching expert Fiona Bugler. They will be offering advice, support and sharing their experiences to help runners get the most from their training and fundraising.
Among these mentors is television chef Ken Hom. Ken, who was treated for prostate cancer in 2010, will be creating a series of energy boosting recipes to give the team maximum staying power. He says: “It is a real honour to be supporting TeamPB. I know all too well how important these causes are, having been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer myself and supported a very good friend through her treatment for breast cancer. Anything I can do to raise awareness, I will and being part of TeamPB is another way I can help to put prostate cancer on the map and raise vital funds to help others beat it like I did. Thankfully, I am now fighting fit and I will be supporting all the TeamPB runners every step of the way with recipes to keep their energy and stamina levels up throughout their training and on marathon day.”
To help keep runners entertained throughout the dark winter nights a number of musicians and DJs from across a range of genres will be creating their perfect playlist to train and run to. The team’s website will play host to the favorite tracks from artists such as the nation’s favorite tenor Alfie Boe, to the electronic energy of Hot Chip.
Most importantly a sense of community will be built between team members, sharing their inspiring and touching stories, which have already encouraged people to sign up.
All the funds raised from the project will go towards supporting those affected by prostate and breast cancer. Each year in the UK around 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer and 37,000 men with prostate cancer. In total, more than 750,000 people are currently living with one of these two cancers.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, who is leading the charge by running in the event himself, said: “We want to see as many people as possible join TeamPB and cross the finish line of the 2012 Virgin London Marathon, with us. We are aiming to be the biggest and best running team ever, with a target of raising more than £1million for the most common cancers in men and women in the UK. I am delighted to see so many celebrities and experts lending their support already. If Darth Vader cannot motivate people to cross the finish line, I am not sure who can!”
To apply for a place in TeamPB, visit www.TeamPB.org.uk or call 0845 200 2773. The closing date for applications is 31st October 2011
