A team of staff and governors from The Christie are gearing up to take part in a gruelling 50 mile running challenge to raise money for its School of Oncology on Saturday 8^th September 2012.

Led by Caroline Shaw, Chief Executive at The Christie, a specialist cancer centre in Manchester, the team is also made up ofhead of major relationships and community at The Christie charity Jack Miller, director of North West Medical Physics Dr Ranald Mackay, voluntary services manager Alexis Dinsmor and governor for Eastern Cheshire Alex Davidson.

Organised by Macclesfield-based Cirrus, a leadership and training company, the 50/50/50 event is challenging teams of runners to run 50 miles in one day with the aim of raising £50,000 for The Christie's School of Oncology. The school delivers top quality education and training within The Christie, across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire cancer treatment network and throughout the country. It is also aiming to become an important international centre for cancer education and training.

The team from The Christie will share the 50 mile challenge, splitting the course into five 10-mile loops around a flat scenic route in Macclesfield.

Chief Executive Caroline Shaw said; "As a keen runner, this challenge naturally appealed to me. We are all part of one big team here at The Christie so I'm delighted my colleagues will be joining on the day.

"We are dedicated to delivering the best treatment, research and education and I'm proud to say our School of Oncology is going from strength to strength. Education is vital in helping to shape The Christie's future and all funds raised from this event will go towards expanding this unique facility."

Professor Richard Cowan, who is also director of education at The Christie, said; "Our School of Oncology provides a platform for the growth and development of cancer education across The Christie and beyond. We are committed to educating healthcare professionals of the future so we are embarking on an exciting new expansion project which will allow us to share more knowledge with more people.

"All money raised from 50/50/50 will enable us to further develop our education programmes which will ultimately benefit cancer patients locally, nationally and internationally."

Simon Hayward, managing partner of Cirrus and founder of 50/50/50, said: "Many of us on the 50/50/50 organising team have personally benefitted from The Christie's fantastic treatment and support or are close to others who have.

"The Christie is a charity that is close to my heart and the money the team raises will really make a difference for both the staff and the patients. The Christie's School of Oncology is investing in teaching facilities to educate future cancer specialists, and to develop the very best talent in a world-class learning centre. Personally, I could not think of a worthier cause."

To sponsor the team from The Christie visit www.justgiving.com/TeamChristie505050 or to book your team onto the challenge visit www.505050challenge.com

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