Amolak Sohal in Birmingham with friends and family for his 5th half marathon!

The impact of your support

Over the last three months your support has enabled us to...

• Provide face to face support to 290 people through in-person support groups
• Help 141 people virtually through online support
• Speak to 244 people who phoned our helpline
• Engage with 115 people through our webinars
• Invest £100,000 in research
• Run a patient event day in Sheffield, giving our community a chance to meet each other and engage with some of the UK's leading consultants in neuroendocrine cancer.

In the last three months we have...

• Supported over 100 fundraising events
• Raised over £100,000
• Connected with corporate partners
• Started making exciting plans for 2027

Thank you

Demand for our services

We are here to provide support, raise awareness, and offer resources for individuals affected by neuroendocrine cancer. Demand for our services is growing year on year.

Our helpline, a lifeline for so many, has seen demand grow by 75%. Our counselling service for patients and their families that provides hope at the hardest of times, is close to full capacity, and our support groups that take place across the United Kingdom are in extremely high demand.

We rely solely on donations to provide our services and we need to raise more money to cope with growing demand.

Fundraising Stories

Ruth Hitchcock took her 1000th swim for Daily Dip 4 Dave!

In 2008 Ruth Hitchcock's husband, Dave was diagnosed with cancer in his bowel. It was successfully removed and life carried on. But in early 2023 Dave was diagnosed with multiple secondary neuroendocrine tumours that had spread to his liver, lymph nodes, bowel, stomach and bones. This news was devastating.  

Determined to raise both awareness about neuroendocrine cancer and money to support research into the disease, Ruth created Daily Dip 4 Dave, a three year personal challenge with a commitment to dipping daily in the sea for 1,000 days in a row.

Over the course of three years, Ruth has raised a huge amount of money for research into neuroendocrine cancer, and built a community of both local and global support, and on the 5th of July 2026, at Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth, she took her 1,000th dip in the sea, surrounded by over 200 people who joined her on the beach and in the water. On the same day, across the UK and beyond, many others, inspired by Ruth's determination and commitment, swam in bodies of water to show their support.

In Ruth's own words, 'although the challenge has finished, this journey certainly hasn't. The donations are still open if you'd still like to show your support, there are some exciting announcements to come, and I truly believe this incredible community we've built together is only just getting started. I'd love you to stay with me. Because whilst the 1,000 swims are over, our work to make neuroendocrine cancer impossible to ignore is far from finished and I have a feeling the best part of the journey is still to come ❤️'

So far Ruth has raised over £70,000 for research.

Our London Marathon Stars

On Sunday 26th April, the streets of London buzzed with the energy of thousands of people ready for the challenge of a lifetime. The London Marathon, an iconic event and one of the most famous marathons in the world, is the culmination of months of training, dedication and commitment. Though we did not have our own places for the marathon this year, six big hearted and determined people decided to use their own places to fundraise for us.

Jasmine Irving (pictured above) raised over £2,500 for us. 

'In November 2019, my grandad was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer - a diagnosis that changed our lives forever. Just a few months later, in June 2020, he underwent an incredibly complex and life-altering surgery called the Whipple procedure. During the operation, surgeons removed the head of his pancreas, his bile duct, and his gallbladder, before 'replumbing' his entire digestive system. It was a long and painful road to recovery. He faced setback after setback, treatment after treatment - yet he never gave up. He continues to undergo regular scans every 4-6 months to monitor for any signs of growth, and he's had to adapt to various ongoing treatments to try to keep the cancer at bay.'

Hannah Churchill (pictured above) raised nearly £1,500 in memory of her father, Robin Churchill.

'Dad recently passed away from neuroendocrine cancer. The support from my family kept me going (thank you!). Seeing them at mile 22 I burst into tears and knew I had to finish. Coming past Big Ben and onto the mall outside Buckingham Palace was a feeling I'll never forget. Wanting it to be over but having the time of my life! It's all been worth it to raise money for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK that supports patients and families suffering with neuroendocrine cancer, as my dad did. I ran with his photo on my back and his words in my heart, pushing me to keep going.'

Andy Ball (pictured above) ran the marathon in memory of his dad, Peter Ball, raising nearly £2,000 to go towards our work.

Clare Hutchinson (pictured above) ran the London Marathon in memory of her dad, Graham, and raised nearly £2,500 for us. 

'My dad passed away from neuroendocrine cancer while I was at school, 16 years ago, after a long and difficult road to diagnosis where vague symptoms meant precious time was lost. This year, we should have been celebrating his 70th birthday. Instead, I'm running to honour his memory and to help raise awareness of a cancer that is still too often diagnosed too late - so more families can get answers earlier and have better outcomes than my dad did. This will be my first marathon, and I'm taking it on while returning to running after having my son in August. It's a huge physical and emotional challenge for me and my family, but one I'm incredibly proud to take on in my dad's memory and in support of a charity making a real difference.'

Matt Finch (pictured above) raised over £1,000 for us after his mother was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in January 2026.

'In January 2026 my mum was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer - a rare type of cancer that we had never heard of before. A cancer that very often goes undetected for many years. Following successful emergency surgery on New Year's Day, we have since learned more about neuroendocrine cancer. As I write, we await the outcome of further scans and tests to help inform the next steps on the journey.'

Nick Bacon raised over £2,500 for us in memory of his friend, David Mills.

'I was lucky enough to get a place at the 2026 London Marathon and I wanted to take the opportunity to raise funds for a very special charity, close to all of our hearts, for an exceptionally special man, remembering my friend David Mills.' 

The international Roads to Rhodes marathon in memory of a great colleague and friend

Paul Andrews and Gary Griffiths (pictured above) enjoyed a well deserved beer after completing the Rhodes Marathon on the 26th of April. Running in memory of their dear friend and colleague Michael Evans, they raised over £2,500 for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK. 

They told us 'Mike brought a great energy and sense of fun to our work place. He was a larger than life character who got away with comments that others wouldn't! A fiercely proud Brentford supporter, a lover of horseracing and sport generally, he enjoyed their highs and lows. Above all, Mike was a family man and adored his wife, his two children and then his two grandchildren - always speaking of them proudly and with love.

Behind the humour and big personality was a resilient man who had been quietly facing neuroendocrine cancer for many years. He faced it with bravery and dignity, rarely complaining and never letting it define him.'

Amolak Sohal commits to run 7 half marathons in just a year!

Amolak Sohal (pictured above) wanted to do something positive in memory of his mother, so he committed to running 7 half marathons in 2026. He has now run 6 of the 7 half marathons, raising over £5,000 so far.

'On the 7th of June 2025, my wonderful mum passed away after bravely facing neuroendocrine cancer - a rare and often under-recognised form of cancer. Losing her has left a huge space in my life, but I want to honour her strength, kindness, and determination by doing something positive in her memory. I'll be running seven half-marathons to raise money for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK - a charity that works tirelessly to support patients and families, raise awareness, and fund vital research into this complex and underfunded disease. The number seven holds a special meaning for me - it marks the 7th of June, the day I lost my mum - so each race represents both remembrance and resilience. Every finish line will be a step closer to keeping her memory alive while helping others affected by this rare cancer. Every mile I run will be for my mum and everyone affected by neuroendocrine cancer, and any donation, big or small, will make a difference - and will help turn grief into hope.'

Three Peaks Challenge in honour of a best friend

In April 2026, Grace Brogan (pictured above with friends) took on the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 48 hours to raise money and awareness about neuroendocrine cancer after her best friend Neil was diagnosed with the disease in 2024. Grace raised over £3,000 for our work.

Before the challenge, Grace wrote 'I will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, in honour of someone incredibly special to me, my best friend Neil. Neil is a therapist and lecturer who has an extraordinary impact on everyone around him. He's the kind of person who radiates compassion - supportive, kind, gentle and deeply empathic. Through his work as a therapist, he has helped countless people to heal from trauma and personal challenges, while also training and inspiring future therapists who are now out in the world making a difference themselves. In 2024, Neil was diagnosed with a rare, terminal form of cancer - neuroendocrine cancer. His life changed overnight as he began navigating the many unknowns of this illness. Watching him face this journey with such courage, strength and grace has been profoundly inspiring. To honour Neil's resilience and raise money for the organisation supporting him, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, I'm pushing myself beyond my own limits by taking on three of the UK's highest peaks.'

Very sadly, Neil passed away after Grace climbed the three peaks. 

Laurence Denis runs the length of the UK and gets the support of Harry Styles

In May 2026, Laurence Denis (pictured above, far right) set out to run the length of the UK in memory of his beloved mum and dad. He completed the 850-mile (1,368km) run from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall in 23 days, and raised more than £13,000 for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, the British Heart Foundation, Mind and Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Laurence was in his late 20s when his mother Pauline passed away in 2020 after a 10-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

'I quickly fell on the wrong side of life and before long everything I was going through got too much,' he said. 'I felt like I was alone. I felt like I couldn't speak to anyone, which is quite sad because I had a lot of people around me - it's no shade on anyone.'

Laurence started running to escape his pain and completed his first marathon later that year. However, in 2023 his father Phil died suddenly from a heart attack, and Laurence began to suffer from panic attacks and sleepless nights. 'My grief was suffocating,' he said. 'I just felt like, why? I was in so much pain, but I kept putting on a front.'

Laurence decided to run the length of the UK - from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Raising money for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the British Heart Foundation and Mind, before his challenge Laurence said 'these organisations mean the world to me and my brothers, Seb and Dom—and they’ve played a significant role in our family’s story. Running became my lifeline through grief - I turned to it searching for a way to cope. What began as a way to manage panic attacks and sleepless nights quickly turned into something much more: a path forward. Running gave me structure, purpose, and a deep sense of connection to both my parents. It’s been a source of healing through some of the darkest days, and this challenge is the next step on that journey. I’m taking on this challenge in honour of my parents, and in recognition of the amazing work these charities continue to do for families like mine. This run is for my mum, for my dad, and for everyone who’s ever needed to keep moving forward, one step at a time.'

After setting out on 20 May, Laurence reached out to the singer Harry Styles for support. To his surprise he received a message from Styles' team, which read 'we saw your videos and love what you've been doing. We'd love to invite you to a show of your choosing. Let us know when works best, and we'll get it sorted.' Laurence was overwhelmed with the tickets, and speechless with the £2,000 donation that followed, adding: 'I'm just a normal guy. It doesn't feel real. It's been a whirlwind.'

Laurence said he hoped to inspire people, adding: 'I don't want people to go through what I went through.'

If you would like to support any of the fundraisers above please contact hannah@nc-uk.org who will be happy to support you doing so. Thank you.

Charity of the Year

The Edinburgh Institute of Insurance & Financial Planning

We’re incredibly grateful to The Edinburgh Institute of Insurance & Financial Planning for inviting Neuroendocrine Cancer UK to their annual dinner on Friday 15th May at Wolfson Hall, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. It was a special evening that brought people together in support of everyone affected by neuroendocrine cancer.

NCUK was chosen as the president’s Charity of the Year by Neil Winstanley, and we were delighted that Hannah and Craig could represent the charity at the event. 

Guests enjoyed a wonderful meal and heard a number of inspiring speeches, including one from our own Craig Speirs, whose words received a standing ovation. The evening’s raffle raised more than £2,000 to support our work, and several attendees also pledged to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 13 September to raise even more for NCUK.

More than anything, the evening was a reminder of how powerful support and shared understanding can be. We are so thankful to The Edinburgh Institute of Insurance & Financial Planning for their kindness, generosity and commitment to helping us make a difference.

When an organisation chooses NCUK as its Charity of the Year, it does far more than raise funds. It helps more people understand neuroendocrine cancer, recognise the challenges patients face, and stand alongside our community. At the start of the evening, many guests had never heard of neuroendocrine cancer. By the end, they were ready to help raise its profile and support those affected.

If you or your organisation would like to support NCUK in this way, we would love to hear from you. Please contact hannah@nc-uk.org to discuss your ideas.

Upcoming Opportunities

Snowdon Sunrise Walk

Date(s): 23rd August 2026 & 27th September 2026

Registration Fee: £30

Minimum Fundraising Commitment: £350

We are always looking to find new ways for the community to support our fundraising. We have a new fundraising challenge added to our calendar that we are sure will be a hit!

This event is a sun rise walk of Snowdon. Standing at the summit by moonlight will be an unforgettable experience, as will seeing the sunrise from the mountain slopes as you descend. Witnessing the spectacular landscapes opening up before you as the day grows lighter is a magical and unforgettable experience.

On the Day

• Distance: 9 miles – 14.5Km (there & back)
• Ascent: 3,199 feet – 975 metres
• Time: About 6 hours (there & back)
• Grade: Medium
• Start/Finish:Snowdon Mountain Railway Station

We have 2 dates available: Sunday, 23rd August 2026 and Sunday, 27th September 2026.

If you are interested in joining in either of these events please click the links below for August or September.

Snowdon in August

Snowdon in September

London Landmarks Half Marathon

Date: 4th April 2027

Registration Fee: £60

Minimum Fundraising Commitment: £650

We are delighted to have gained access to 10 places through our partnership with run for charity, at the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027 on the 4th April 2027. This offers a scenic 13.1-mile route through central London’s most iconic landmarks and is one of the premium events of the year.

Event Overview

The 2027 edition marks the 10th anniversary of the London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM), a closed-road, central London event.

London Landmarks Half Marathon Route
The race will be run though Westminster and the City. Starting in Whitehall, the route takes runners past many iconic London Landmarks, including Nelson's Column, St Paul's Cathedral, Somerset House and the Bank of England, finishing at Trafalgar Square.

If you are interested in taking part in this event please register your interest below.

Take part in or organise an event

Taking part in an organised event such as a bike ride or a run can be a great way to challenge yourself and to fundraise at the same time.

Below is a list of just some of the events that we are currently promoting - simply click on the relevant link to register:

Scottish Half Marathon - 16th August 202626

Robin Hood Half Marathon - 27th September 202626

Manchester Half Marathon - 4th October 2026

There are lots of other events available on the main Run For Charity site, so if you prefer something different just take a look and less us know!

Alternatively, if you would prefer to organise a cake sale or a coffee morning, or create an event of your own, we can provide support, guidance and materials.

If you're interested in supporting us by taking part in an event or organising your own, please contact our Community Engagement Manager Craig at fundraising@nc-uk.org

Patient Voices

We're proud of what we do, and we are delighted to share some first hand stories from people that we are supporting. Being there at someone's time of need is a true privilege and we are grateful to June, Rachel and Elaine for sharing their experiences with us.

A Q&A with June

Q: What has Neuroendocrine Cancer UK helped you to understand, to face or cope with? 

A: It has made me more aware of how complex neuroendocrine cancer is and provided more in-depth knowledge and information of the cancer and treatment available.

Q: When has Neuroendocrine Cancer UK helped you to feel less alone? 

A: Since receiving my cancer diagnosis and negative prognosis. It has been refreshing to meet with other cancer patients through the support group meetings, just to talk and learn of their experiences, which has given me some comfort.

Q: What do you wish more people understood about neuroendocrine cancer and its impact? 

A: That the cancer has rare links to the hormone system and the difficulty of diagnosis due to the lack of symptoms. But if diagnosed early this could help with a better survival rate, through treatment or surgery.

Q: What difference does it make to know that Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is here for you, and that you are a member of your local support group? 

A: It is a tremendous feeling to know that there is a specific cancer charity giving support to both patients and families alike. In addition to which, the support group makes me feel less isolated and alone, knowing that there is someone there if I have any problems.

A Q&A with Rachel

Q: What has Neuroendocrine Cancer UK helped you to understand, to face or cope with? 

A: NCUK has helped me understand the disease itself. That each person’s disease is completely unique, requiring a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to them and that self-advocacy is so important along this journey.  

Early on in my diagnosis,  NCUK assisted me in facing what my future might look like through access to the NCUKs website and regular online webinars. This enabled me to gain an understanding of the disease which made me less frightened of my diagnosis.  

As time has gone by, I have taken the opportunity to attend webinars with NET specialists and involve myself with both online and my local support group in Manchester. By involving myself in these groups, I have gained a wealth of knowledge around the disease, as well as being introduced to a community of people with a similar diagnosis who are often well informed and happy to talk about their own experiences of navigating this disease. Through involving myself in the various forums offered by NCUK, this has expanded my knowledge base which has given me the confidence to self advocate for myself. I now feel I have an understanding which enables me to talk to my NET team in a more informed way, sometimes challenging decisions around my care which makes me feel more in control of what is happening to me.  

Q: When has Neuroendocrine Cancer UK helped you to feel less alone? 

A: My loneliness point was at the beginning of this journey. After my initial diagnosis was given by a general surgeon, I felt like I was free falling. I had a wealth of questions regarding my diagnosis that unfortunately could only be answered by a neuroendocrine specialist. However, the wait to see them was months. NCUK provided me with information to read, webinars to watch, a regular local support group to attend and a helpline to offload my fears and frustrations to. The NCUK Facebook group was also great, as this enabled me to read about other people’s experiences and I was able to connect with people that had a similar diagnosis as myself. It gave me comfort that I was not on my own, that there were others out there who understood what living with a neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis is like.  

Q: What do you wish more people understood about neuroendocrine cancer and its impact? 

A: That neuroendocrine cancer affects everyone differently depending on its primary location, grade and stage of disease. It’s an unusual cancer often slow growing when compared to ‘traditional’ cancers leading to a long and uncertain road which is exhausting both physically and mentally.  For people looking in from the outside we don’t fit the narrative of a typical cancer sufferer. Just because we often have a full head of hair and look well doesn’t mean we are not battling internally with invisible symptoms of fatigue, bowel issues and hormone related symptoms. I wish there was more understanding around the prolonged daily impact this diagnosis brings. Just because we don’t fit the mould doesn’t mean we are not suffering. 

Q: What difference does it make to know that Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is here for you, and that you are a member of your local support group? 

A: It makes a massive difference. I am not sure I would have navigated my diagnosis as well as I have done without the support options of NCUK. To be able to interact with people who understand the disease and the inherent frustrations we find as a patient moving through a process of diagnosis and treatments is invaluable.  

Key information is often delivered in hospital settings with no time to ask questions and is often lost in translation. NCUK through its various platforms, gives the opportunity and safe space to ask questions or air any concerns, in a non-judgemental informed manner where you don’t feel you taking up someone’s time.  

I became a member of the Manchester Support group. This has been such a positive experience. Not only have i learnt a lot from the specialist speakers, but I have also found a group of people who are kind, supportive and just get it.  

A Q&A with Elaine

Q: What has Neuroendocrine Cancer UK helped you to understand, to face or cope with? 

A: The fact sheets are so helpful. Most of all are the webinars that you can attend, and being able to access the webinars at a later date.

Q: When has Neuroendocrine Cancer UK helped you to feel less alone? 

A: Being able to contact others by the Manchester Patient Support Group. Expert advice available by phone or emailing the website.

Q: What do you wish more people understood about neuroendocrine cancer and its impact? 

A: It's the lack of knowledge both from the GP's and nursing staff. I really do not understand why leaflets are not available in the patient (Macmillan) information centre. The impact it has on quality of life.

Q: What difference does it make to know that Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is here for you, and that you are a member of your local support group? 

A: A massive difference. It provides the most up to date information both socially and medically. There is always somebody from the support group that will support. The meetings offer the chance to ask questions, especially when there are professionals invited to discuss things with us.

If you'd like to share your story about how NCUK has supported you or your loved ones, please email hannah@nc-uk.org.

Meet the team

In each newsletter we're going to introduce you to the people who work at Neuroendocrine Cancer UK - so that you can put a face to the name. In this issue we'd like to introduce you to Hannah Persaud, our Head of Fundraising.

Hi, I'm Hannah and I'm the Head of Fundraising at Neuroendocrine Cancer UK. I've been with Neuroendocrine Cancer UK for 10 months now and prior to that I have a long career of working for charities, ranging from very large charities like the British Red Cross, to very small.

I have worked in almost all areas of fundraising, and feel passionately about sharing peoples' stories, championing less well known diseases, and raising both awareness and money to invest into research and support. Most of all I care about people - they are at the heart of everything that I do.

Last year I lost my beloved mother to a very rare cancer, it broke my family's hearts. This experience made me all the more determined to amplify the voice of rare and little known diseases so that patients and their families can get the care, support and treatment that they so desperately need.

I am expanding the types of fundraising that we do at Neuroendocrine Cancer UK and I would love to hear from you if you are a company that would like to support us, a well connected individual who may be able to open doors for us, a trust or foundation that would like to support us or someone who just wants to support us more, in any way, shape or form. 

Please don't hesitate to contact me at hannah@nc-uk.org - I'd love to have a conversation.

Other ways to support us

We rely solely on the generosity of our supporters and are funded entirely by donations – we do not receive any government funding nor do we receive any financial support from larger cancer charities. 

It is people like you that make what we do possible. This year more than two hundred people have already chosen to fundraise for us, more people than ever have committed to making a monthly donation, and we’re launching one of our first Charity of the Year Partnerships. But there is always more that we can do.

There are many ways in which you can choose to support our work, from taking on a personal challenge, to making a monthly donation. Below are some of the ways in which you can get involved with and support our work.

In Memoriam Donations

When someone that we love dies, supporting their favourite cause can be a positive and meaningful way to commemorate them.

Donating, fundraising or creating a tribute fund in honour of your loved one is a lasting way of celebrating their life, while also changing the lives of others. There are lots of ways to support our work in memory of a friend or family member. From donations in lieu of funeral flowers to making a one off donation, every tribute is special, just like the person it celebrates.

If you would like to create an in memorial page as a tribute to a loved one please click on the button below.

If you would like to explore other ways in which you can leave a lasting gift, please contact our Development Manager Hannah at hannah@nc-uk.org

Regular Giving

A monthly donation allows us to plan ahead, expand our services and provide ongoing support to the community that we serve, when they need it the most. Any donation each month, no matter how small, can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by neuroendocrine cancer. 

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donates to NCUK on a regular basis.

Leave a gift in your Will

Maybe you or someone that you love has been supported by our charity? We are fortunate that much of our support comes from people, or the loved ones of people, who have received support from us.

By choosing to leave a gift to us in your Will, you will leave a lasting legacy that will change the lives of others.

We have teamed up with Farewill, an award-winning Will writing provider, to offer our supporters the opportunity to write their Will for free. Although there’s no obligation to leave a gift to Neuroendocrine Cancer UK if you use the free Will writing service, anything that you may decide to leave to us will be gratefully received. 

Finally, we'd love your feedback on this Fundraising Newsletter, please click on the button below to let us know your thoughts