Team Chai Triumphs: Over £45,000 Raised at the TCS London Marathon

Eight runners proudly and passionately represented Team Chai at this year’s TCS London Marathon, taking on the challenge to raise vital funds for Chai. Together, they have already raised over £45,000 – and donations are still coming in.

Zoe Sayliss took on the iconic route for Chai and has so far raised a phenomenal £14,226. Zoe completed the marathon in 5 hours 25 minutes. Zoe said: “Just over a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer. Thanks to the interventions of my incredible medical team I am, according to my latest scans, cancer free. Whilst that is (obviously!) wonderful news, a diagnosis such as mine and the life changing surgeries that I required cast a long shadow and I’m still trying to comprehend and live with the physical and psychological scars of the last year.

I have an incredible support system: Steven, my family, friends, colleagues and doctors all do everything that they can to help me navigate my new normal. However, I would not be in the position that I’m in today if it weren’t for the support of Chai. They provides an extensive range of specialised services for cancer patients and their loved ones. Without question or judgement their sole aim is to lighten the load of a cancer diagnosis in a friendly and calming environment. I have a weekly counselling session and have made use of their complimentary therapies to help my scar heal.

Knowing that Chai are there for me and my loved ones, who have lived every moment of my diagnosis with me, continues to be such a relief and source of comfort.”

Jack Lewis who completed the marathon in 5 hours 16 minutes, has so far raised £7,242 for Chai. Jack said “I am running the marathon to honour the memory of my father-in-law, Bobby Lipman, who sadly passed away from oesophageal cancer before I had the chance to meet him. Though I never knew him personally, I have been blessed to hear stories of the wonderful man he was and how deeply he is missed by my wife, Gaby, and the whole Lipman family. Particularly, how he was a true mensch and so I want to do something meaningful to keep his memory alive.”

Adam Lisberg finished the Marathon in a time of 4 hours 40 minutes and has raised £6,132 to date.

Sebastian Pell, who has so far raised £5,784, completed the marathon with an impressive time of 4 hours 4 minutes.

Daryl Isaacs, who raised £3,778 and completed the marathon in 5 hours 37 minutes, said: I hate running more than anything! But turning 40 this year, I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone and take on a challenge I never thought I’d do – running the London Marathon. This isn’t just about proving something to myself. Several close family members and friends have battled cancer and seeing what they’ve been through has given me all the motivation and determination I need.

Zack Cohen completed the marathon in 4 hours 29 minutes and raised £4,000. Zack said: “My grandfather, Professor Michael Baum, has dedicated his life to helping those affected by breast cancer. As a leading breast cancer surgeon, he’s been deeply involved with Chai Cancer Care, a charity that has become incredibly close to our family’s heart.”

David Levine, who completed the marathon in 4 hours 10 minutes, raised £1,655.

Marcus Ardeman, who raised £1,367, also completed the marathon.

Caroline Tunkel, Chai’s Head of Community Engagement, said: “Our inspiring Team Chai runners took on this incredible challenge with such passion and dedication. Each mile not only brought them closer to the finish line but also helped ensure that Chai can continue to provide vital support to those facing a cancer diagnosis. We are so proud and grateful for their commitment and the generosity of all who have donated.”