The ‘Be a Legend’ themed partnership will see the charity mobilise a team of legendary supporters to run or volunteer for Teenage Cancer Trust in the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon, and aims to raise £1.5m for young people with cancer across the UK.  

Currently, for every young person aged 13-24 Teenage Cancer Trust supports, there’s another they can’t. But the charity has an ambitious plan for a revolutionary outreach programme that will ensure specialist nurses can reach young people with cancer no matter where they live, be that in their local hospital or even in their homes. 

The partnership will play a significant role in helping the charity reach its target of supporting every young person with cancer by 2020. 

Russell Brand, comedy legend and long-time Teenage Cancer Trust supporter, is the face of the launch film which satirises the way we think about charity in the social media age. With tongue firmly in cheek, Russell encourages people to take part in the marathon for purely selfish reasons, so they can “look good whilst doing good”.

Kate Collins, Director of Fundraising and Marketing, at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our important partnership with the Virgin Money London Marathon with a film that has a cheeky tone but a serious message. Huge thanks to Chris, a young man who is currently going through treatment for cancer, and our long-term supporter Russell Brand for teaming up to make the film.

“We need hundreds of people to ‘Be a Legend’ and run or volunteer for Teenage Cancer Trust in the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon, so we can make sure that no young person faces cancer alone. 

“Every penny raised will make our vital work possible – and we can’t wait to see legends from across the UK gather in support of young people with cancer in the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon.”

Hugh Brasher, Event Director for Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “Teenage Cancer Trust is an amazing charity and we’re very excited to partner with them for the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon. Their team of legends will bring the party to marathon day and help raise much needed funds so that more young people with cancer can access their expert support.”

Jo Barnett, Executive Director of Virgin Money Giving, said: “We’ve seen the incredible support that Teenage Cancer Trust offers to young people and their families, and we believe that every young person with cancer deserves this kind of care. Virgin Money is proud to partner with this amazing charity and help them take one step closer to their goal of reaching every young person with cancer who needs them.” 

To join Teenage Cancer Trust’s legendary team of supporters and help them reach every young person with cancer, visit www.bealegend.org and sign up to run or volunteer for Teenage Cancer Trust in 2018.

Virgin Money London Marathon