Pancreatic Cancer UK today issued a rallying cry to runners – “Take on the ultimate test to help develop the ultimate test”– as it was announced as the official Charity of the Year for the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
The charity aims to raise £2 million to give doctors a game-changing early detection test for the deadliest common cancer. Such a breakthrough could save thousands of lives a year from the disease, which kills more than half of people within just three months of their diagnosis.Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in 50 years – in stark contrast to the improvements seen in outcomes for many other types of cancer. No screening programmes or early detection tests exist to help doctors. Tragically, as a result, 80 per cent of people are not diagnosed until their cancer is at an advanced stage meaning that it is often too late for them to have lifesaving treatment. By 2027 the disease is projected to overtake breast cancer and become the fourth-biggest cancer killer in the UK.
Diana Jupp, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “The 2025 TCS London Marathon will be one of the most important days for pancreatic cancer ever and we are so, so proud to be the official Charity of the Year. For 50 years, research into this devastating disease has been underfunded and left behind, leaving families with only hope to hold on to.
“But they deserve more than hope. To have an early detection test finally within reach, which could save as many lives as there are runners taking part in this iconic event is hugely exciting. That’s why we’re calling on people across the UK to raise awareness and help develop the ultimate test by supporting our TCS London Marathon campaign. Together we can deliver more than hope to every family affected by the deadliest common cancer.”
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pancreatic Cancer UK as our official Charity of the Year for the 2025 TCS London Marathon. We know that early detection of the disease is essential to survival rates, and we hope that this opportunity means Pancreatic Cancer UK can raise the funds required to make significant developments in the availability of screening and early detection tests. My father, Chris Brasher, co-founder of the London Marathon, died from pancreatic cancer just six months after diagnosis so I know well the devastating impact of this disease. We wish the team at Pancreatic Cancer UK all the very best in their efforts and look forward to working with them in the year ahead.”
Ahead of today’s announcement, Pancreatic Cancer UK unveiled its new logo, which will be featured on the kit of the 800 runners it hopes to recruit for next year’s TCS London Marathon. The charity is also changing the way it communicates, with new bolder and stronger messaging to demand attention and drive action to tackle the deadliest common cancer.
The TCS London Marathon is a key opportunity to raise vital income to fund research innovation while increasing public awareness, so that Pancreatic Cancer UK can reach more people with its award-winning support services.
The launch video for the Ultimate Test campaign is narrated by Graham Sturge, who ran the 2017 London Marathon for the charity just hours after his dad, John, died from pancreatic cancer. Since that incredibly emotional run, Graham has gone on to complete all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, raising more than £100,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. He will be running again in 2025.