Published date: 21 September 2023
Epic Relay Race for Young Lives vs. Cancer
This September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and in support of this cause, the NHS Property Services' (NHSPS) Executive Team is participating in a unique charity event today (21 September 2023).
The business is taking part in a 'Race to the Home' relay race to raise funds for its charity partner, Young Lives vs. Cancer. NHSPS decided to partner with this charity in 2021 and pledged to raise £150,000 for its Homes from Home service over three years.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of NHSPS' colleagues, £120,000 has already been raised. Previous fundraising activities have included climbing Mount Snowdon, completing Tough Mudders, and conquering the Three Peaks.
The current challenge is a relay race that will take colleagues in the north from NHSPS' Stockport office to Jack's House, a Young Lives vs. Cancer Home from Home in Didsbury, Manchester. Meanwhile, staff in the south will travel from NHSPS' Canary Wharf headquarters to Paul's House, a Young Lives vs. Cancer Home from Home in London.
The relay race participants will use different modes of transport, including running, cycling, walking, public transport, and even NHSPS vans, where they'll pass the baton over at one of four NHSPS property pit stops in their area.
Young Lives vs. Cancer has ten Homes from Home close to specialist treatment centres in eight cities nationwide. These help families avoid the additional financial burdens of travel, food, and accommodation. They also enable young cancer patients to be close to their loved ones at an incredibly challenging time.
The NHSPS Executive Team has a fundraising target of £10,000, which would make a world of difference to the young people supported by Young Lives vs. Cancer.
Rhea Horlock, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at NHSPS, said: "I had the opportunity to visit 'Billy's House', a Young Lives vs. Cancer's Home from Home in Nottingham recently. NHSPS has been in partnership with the charity for over two years now, and in that time, our colleagues have raised an incredible £120,000 to help fund these sites.
"It was great to see what a warm and welcoming environment the Homes are, and you can really feel how this bit of normality would make such a difference at a very difficult time."
To learn more about the challenge and to donate if you can, please look at the Race to the Home fundraising page: NHS Property Services NHSPS is fundraising for Young Lives vs. Cancer (justgiving.com).
