Courtney Dobson, Christie fundraiser

Courtney Dobson from Bubwith, North Yorkshire is running the London Marathon for The Christie Charity on Sunday 21 April 2024 to raise funds and awareness for a very rare form of cancer to support her dad, Darren Walker.

Darren was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) in 2021. Whilst he was undergoing his treatment at The Christie hospital in Manchester, Courtney decided she wanted to do something to raise awareness of this rare type of cancer, and to fundraise for more research. PMP is a cancer of the appendix that spreads into the stomach lining – Audrey Hepburn died of this cancer.

So, in August 2023, Courtney set herself a challenge along with her mum Amanda, dad Darren and her aunty Joanne Draper to walk the West Highland Way in Scotland, which is a 96-mile walk from Milngavie to Fort William. They completed the challenge and raised an incredible £14,000 for The Christie Charity.

Darren, who lives in Hebden Bridge is currently in palliative care, having had chemotherapy and stomach drain treatment. Courtney wanted to continue fundraising and raising awareness of PMP, so she signed up to the London Marathon.

“I wanted to push myself like my dad does every single day. My husband, Matt and my friends Courtney and Justine have been amazing with their support and motivation, as well as my friend Jamie, who has been running with me and pushing me through those miles!

Do you want to support The Christie charity? Our ideas generator has lots of inventive and interesting ways you can raise money for The Christie.

Or if you fancy taking on an organised event, check out our events calendar to see what events you can take part in for The Christie.