On World Cancer Day, Wednesday 4 February 2026, BPX and Elmleigh will go head-to-head in a one-hour treadmill challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for the local charity, Hope Against Cancer.
Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Behind every statistic is a real person, a family, and a life changed forever. Through this challenge, BPX and Elmleigh aim to shine a spotlight on the impact of cancer within local communities and the critical importance of ongoing research.
Hope Against Cancer funds life-saving research across Leicestershire and Rutland, supporting earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, and better outcomes for patients in the region. Its work provides hope to thousands of local people, ensuring that ground breaking research is carried out close to home, where it can make a direct and meaningful difference.
BPX is proud to support a charity whose impact is felt so strongly across the community. Every pound donated through the challenge will go directly towards pioneering cancer research that helps change lives and improve survival rates for people affected by cancer locally.
Supporters are encouraged to donate and help BPX and Elmleigh make a difference this World Cancer Day. Donations can be made on the JustGiving page.
While there may be an element of friendly rivalry on the treadmills, the challenge is about far more than bragging rights. It represents a shared commitment to fundraising, awareness, and community support, uniting BPX and Elmleigh around a common cause.
We sat down with our BPX representatives to get their thoughts ahead of the challenge:
Ed Collins (Brand Manager)
What’s your running background?
EC: “Casual runner and gym enthusiast.”
What’s your goal for the challenge?
EC: “To keep going for an the full hour and to not make a meme of myself if / when falling off the treadmill.”
What does Hope Against Cancer mean to you?
EC: “Aside from my own personal connection with cancer, the motivation of raising funds and supporting a local charity that Elmleigh has championed in the past will keep me going in the final knockings of the challenge.”
Nick Barker (Warehouse Manager)
What’s your running background?
NB: “I actively run with Poplar Running Club and compete in the Leicestershire League and Cross-Country races throughout the year ranking 58th and 41st in both respectively although the old legs get slower each year.”
What’s your goal for the challenge?
NB: “My goal is to try to complete 9 miles in the hour and keep the rest of the BPX team motivated. However I am taking part in the Charnwood Hills Race 48 hours before which is a tough 14.5 mile race with over 1500 foot to climb through Bradgate, Broombriggs and Beacon Hill so I may be a bit broken come challenge day!”
What does Hope Against Cancer mean to you?
NB: “My Mum got breast cancer last year so it hits close to home as it does with so many people and it is fantastic to do something for this wonderful charity. It will be great to link up with the Elmleigh team again supporting this cause having climbed Snowden with them a couple of years ago in a previous smaller BPX link up and I know how much it means to them.”
Harry Jones (IT Technician)
What’s your running background?
HJ: “Casual Runner.”
What’s your goal for the challenge?
HJ: “I’m aiming for 11km.”
What does Hope Against Cancer mean to you?
HJ: “I have a close family member who has battled with cancer several times, so I think the work that charities like Hope Against Cancer do in helping to fund research and support those affected by cancer is vital.”
Chris Reynolds (Area Manager)
What’s your running background?
CR: “Completely unfit used to run some years ago but the furthest I run now is to the car.”
What’s your goal for the challenge?
CR: “Get to the end without having a heart attack!”
What does Hope Against Cancer mean to you?
CR: “I’m running for charity despite being spectacularly unfit, a fact my lungs, legs, and common sense are all fully aware of. I’m not doing it for a personal best or a podium finish; I’m doing it for something far more important.
I’ve lost family members and friends to cancer, and I’ll be running in their memory. I’m also running in support of the many friends around me who have lost loved ones and continue to carry that loss with them every day.
So, while the training may be questionable and the pace will be “steady at best,” every step will be for a reason. If my struggle can raise a bit of money, awareness, and a few smiles along the way, then it will be well worth the sore legs.”
Lucy Preston (Assistant Credit Controller)
What’s your running background?
LP: “Casual runner, occasionally take part in park runs.”
What’s your goal for the challenge?
LP: “Keep a consistent pace for the hour.”
What does Hope Against Cancer mean to you?
LP: “Happy to be supporting Hope Against Cancer and the work they do.”