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Holly and Jonny have been long-time supporters of The Christie Charity. In 2011, Jonny was treated at The Christie hospital for bowel cancer, undergoing a 12-hour operation to remove a 7cm tumour. He was also diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly bowel cancer.
Today, Jonny is taking part in a trial aiming to reduce the risk of bowel cancer by up to 60% after 5 years. He’s doing well and says that he’s optimistic that medical research will eventually lead to a cure for cancer.
More recently, Holly’s friend Sabina was also treated at The Christie after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2021. Holly said the care and support that her friend received from The Christie was incredible but sadly Sabina died in August 2024 at just 20 years old.
After taking on the Great Manchester Run 10k together back in 2023, Holly and Jonny decided they wanted a new challenge. They signed up for the Great Manchester Run Half Marathon on Sunday 18 May 2025. Although they originally signed up to say thanks for Jonny and Sabina’s treatment, Holly says they will now also be running in Sabina’s memory.
Jonny has taken part in several Great Manchester Runs over the years, and Holly says she always came to watch. She says it’s such an incredible event, filled with hope, joy and support.
When they took on the Great Manchester Run 10k in 2023, Holly says the crowds the whole way around the course were electric, with the high fives and cheers giving them an energy boost like no other. She adds that when they ran past The Christie bus, both her and Jonny found it so uplifting and gave them a huge push to keep going. In fact, Holly says the only negative of the course was that they had to run near Old Trafford, as both her and her dad are big Liverpool fans!
Even though Holly has already taken on the Great Manchester Run 10k, she knows that the challenge of the half marathon event will mean training even harder.
“Stepping up the training is tough! But having your ‘why’ in your head the whole time pushes you on. It is the least that we can do for this incredible place. We aren‘t training together for this one as I live and study in Liverpool, and my dad is at home in Stockport, but we keep each other updated. I’ve been loving doing parkrun in Liverpool on a Saturday morning too to get in some extra training.
“The Christie is an extraordinary place which provides the highest quality care for cancer patients, crucial research and education. When you hear that you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s unimaginably scary and overwhelming. The Christie is incredibly special in the care it provides. The staff there help people who feel incredibly vulnerable and frightened to feel safe, cared for and as comfortable as possible. The Christie is a place of light and hope for people who are going through a very hard period of their lives.
