A marathon effort for a life-changing cause

Date published: 18 February 2025


This April, The Gillery building in Mossley will host a month-long fundraising campaign to raise £10,000 for The Christie Hospital, inspired by one man's extraordinary dedication to his wife’s fight against cancer.

Local Mossley resident Will Langstaff has taken on the challenge of training for the London Marathon following his wife Sarah’s brave battle with bowel cancer.

With the support of The Gillery, he’s not just running 26.2 miles - he’s rallying an entire community to help make a real difference.

The fundraiser kicks off on Wednesday, April 2, with a Charity Quiz Night, launching an exclusive online auction featuring one-of-a-kind donations from local businesses, artists, and musicians.

The auction will run until Saturday, April 19, culminating in "All Stars Night" - an electrifying evening of live music and DJ sets, all in support of The Christie.

The final push happens on April 27, as Will takes to the streets of London, running the marathon with the weight of a community behind him.

Dermot Gill, owner of The Gillery, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this fundraiser, supporting Will in his efforts to raise as much as possible for The Christie.

"We very much hope we can help bring the community together behind him.”

“The training is tough,” Will (pictured below) said.

“I’ve been running for a few years but this is the biggest challenge I’ve taken on.

"I’ve been by Sarah’s side as she battles this disease and undergoes the grueling chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

"She has been so strong throughout and is determined to beat the cancer, but it’s hard seeing someone you love go through so much. 

"I’m inspired by her everyday and want to do something to give back.

"The Christie has been an incredible support to Sarah and our family - this is just a small way of saying thank you and hopefully helping others like us.”

How you can help:

•⁠  ⁠Bid on the auction for unique items and experiences

•⁠  ⁠Call at The Gillery - every drink throughout April contributes to the cause

•⁠  ⁠Donate directly via the Enthuse page here

Every penny raised will go toward supporting The Christie’s groundbreaking work, providing hope and care to cancer patients and their families.

The Christie are the largest single site cancer centre in Europe, treating more than 60,000 patients a year.

They are also the first UK centre to be officially accredited as a comprehensive cancer centre. 

As part of the NHS they provide: 

Radiotherapy, in one of the world's largest radiotherapy departments and at our radiotherapy centers in Oldham, Salford and Macclesfield. 

They are also home to the UK’s largest brachytherapy service and are also the first NHS organisation in the UK to deliver high energy proton beam therapy.

Chemotherapy, in the UK's largest chemotherapy unit, as well as via 13 other sites and in patients’ homes. 

They also provide prostate cancer community clinics at five different locations.

Highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer.

Find out more about surgery at The Christie here

A wide range of support and diagnostic services. 


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