Guy's Urban Challenge raises sky-high figure for new Cancer Centre

Hundreds of people have climbed the stairs of the world’s tallest hospital building to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Guy’s Cancer Centre.

The 242 committed supporters took part in Guy’s Urban Challenge on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October raised £91,000 for the new, state-of-the-art Cancer Centre being built at Guy’s Hospital.

Among those cheering on the intrepid participants was chart-topping rap star Tinie Tempah. The south Londoner attended on Saturday and handed out medals to those finishing the event, including Radio 1xtra DJ Claira Hermet who completed the challenge after undergoing a preventative double mastectomy at Guy’s in January.

Guy’s Urban Challenge involved a 2.4km run in the streets surrounding the hospital in Southwark, followed by a 15km cycle on exercise bikes, and a gruelling stair climb up to the 29^th floor of Guy’s Tower.

Terry Weston is a Bermondsey resident and former breast cancer patient who had treatment at Guy’s Hospital in 2012.

Having completed the 648-step climb up Guy’s Tower, she said: “It was quite difficult, but I was very pleased I got to the top without stopping!

“I feel really passionate about Guy’s Cancer Centre and am thrilled I was able to show my support by fundraising like this. It was really worth doing.”

Guy’s and St Thomas’ is building a new Cancer Centre at Guy’s Hospital to help meet the needs of more than two million people across the South East. Each year the centre will see 20,000 suspected cancer cases and treat 6,500 cancer patients. 

When the new Cancer Centre opens in 2016, it will bring together most treatment and research in one location. Uniting world-leading scientists and clinicians under the same roof will give more patients the opportunity to take part in the latest clinical trials and benefit from the most advanced treatments available.

Guy’s Cancer Centre Appeal aims to raise £15 million – more than £5 million has already been raised. Donations to the appeal will help provide the finishing touches, from treatment couches and wheelchairs to privacy screens and gym equipment.