Geoff smiling leaning on a wooden fence with metal wiring, he is in a navy blue Guy

Geoff inspires CEO Laurie’s half marathon

We’re shining a spotlight on our remarkable supporters who help the dedicated teams at Guy's Cancer provide the very latest in personalised care, every step of the way.

Geoff, Guy’s Cancer patient and fundraiser

Geoff’s story

One of those supporters is Geoff, whose tireless fundraising is creating more moments of progress, including pioneering research that could revolutionise the treatment of head and neck cancer. And now, inspired by Geoff’s extraordinary dedication, Laurie Lee, CEO of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation, is running his first-ever half marathon in Geoff’s honour to raise funds for Guy’s Cancer Charity and help bring more ground-breaking ideas to life.

Geoff had planned to complete four endurance events in 2025, including a 60-mile paddleboard expedition and the London to Brighton cycle ride, but a recent cancer diagnosis meant he had to withdraw from the events. Though his plans for these events are on pause for now, Geoff’s exceptional impact and dedication continue to inspire us all – including our CEO, Laurie.

Read Geoff's Story

Many of my friends and family have suffered from head and neck cancer, breast cancer and several other types of this terrible disease. But research will continue to give everyone the chance for a better outcome.

Geoff, Guy’s Cancer patient and fundraiser

Laurie, CEO of Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation

Laurie takes the baton

Laurie has always been up for a fundraising challenge, from cycling and abseiling to eating below the poverty line, but distance running has never been his thing. “Many of my colleagues have run half marathons and marathons to raise funds for our charities. They do inspire me. But I don’t enjoy running,” he explains.

Despite his longstanding dislike – and active avoidance – of running, Laurie has had a change of heart.

“A few weeks ago, one of our star fundraisers and cancer survivor, Geoff, had to cancel some of his fundraising challenges this year, after a new diagnosis. So the time has come. For Geoff, for Guy’s Cancer,” says Laurie.

Now, with new running shoes and guidance from his wife, Julie, Laurie has started training for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2025. It’s proving a tough challenge for someone more suited to sprints and rugby than long-distance running. But he’s determined to continue Geoff’s remarkable fundraising journey and cross the finish line.

Support Laurie's fundraising

The people behind every moment of progress

Thanks to inspiring supporters like Geoff and Laurie, we can help the dedicated Guy’s Cancer team keep imagining, keep innovating and keep pushing boundaries – today and tomorrow. Together, we’re transforming cancer care, one person at a time.

That’s why we’re not just Guy’s Cancer Charity. We’re Geoff’s, Laurie’s, and your cancer charity.

Donate today to help fund pioneering new approaches that improve treatments and minimise side-effects for people with head and neck and other cancers.

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