Community cancer campaigners smash fundraising goal with much more to come

Altrincham VS Cancer, the annual fundraiser for The Christie, have smashed their £50,000 target following an amazing community fundraising effort.

The Christie Hospital is one of the largest cancer treatment centres of its type in Europe.

The hospital provides comprehensive cancer care, offering a wide range of services including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive care all under one roof.

We are so blessed to have them in Manchester, and for their wonderful staff, who help people in their darkest times.

Altrincham Vs Cancer

Altrincham VS Cancer, now in its 11th year, has garnered recognition as one of the most successful fundraisers on platforms like JustGiving.

After an impressive fundraising total of over £12,000 for The Christie in 2023, in 2024 the team have raised £14,483 taking the grand total to a whopping £57,417.38

This has smashed their £50,000 total target.

They have raised to this point £57,000 and you can still donate by clicking here

They have now set their sights on an even more ambitious £100,000.

Alex McCann from Altrincham HQ

Alex McCann, the owner of Altrincham HQ, initiated the event in 2014 with a tragic personal tale for motivation.

He said: “I founded Altrincham VS Cancer in 2014 after witnessing my best friend lose both his parents to cancer.

“They were patients at The Christie, and in the midst of such hardship, I felt compelled to give back to the Charity.

“It dawned on me that everyone has a cancer story and a great reason to support such causes.

“When something like that happens you start to realise everyone has a cancer story and wants to get behind what you do.

“Everyone takes part in memory of people who they’ve lost and immense gratitude for those that are still with us.

Altrincham vs Cancer smash fundraising goals

Reflecting on the overwhelming response as the group surpassed its fundraising goals, Alex expressed his elation:

“Our inaugural event in 2014 raised approximately £1500.

“Now, 11 years later, we’ve exceeded £57,000.

“The unity of Altrincham as a community during this annual event astounds me.

“Cancer touches everyone, which is why we see participation from businesses and organisations across Greater Altrincham, from Broadheath to Bowdon.

“The support of Tesco Altrincham and Altrincham Prep School this year was instrumental, and I hope one day to involve every supermarket and school in Altrincham.

“Our sights are now set on the £100,000 target, which we aim to achieve within the next three years.”

In 2019, the cause became even more poignant for Alex with a close friend’s diagnosis.

He explained:  “In the summer of 2019, my best friend Mark Winstanley received a diagnosis of Esophageal cancer—the same friend I established the event in memory of his parents’ passing.

“Tragically, he lost his battle in October 2021. Shortly after, his brother-in-law Vince succumbed to cancer.

“Even discussing Altrincham VS Cancer evokes painful memories, but our collective commitment to fundraising is fueled by the aspiration for a future free from cancer.”

Altrincham vs Cancer’s evolution

Over the years the event has expanded to include the whole town

“Initially the event was a 5k charity run on the treadmills of Pure Gym Altrincham, Alex continued.

“And that’s still the big event that the majority of businesses involved get behind.

“But 11 years on it’s turned into a month’s worth of fitness challenges covering business owners running every day, half marathons, four-day cycling challenges, networking and group runs.”

If you’d like to donate to this amazing cause, you can do so by clicking here