It was 30 degrees in London on 14th July 2013, when 20,000 people from all walks of life and all parts of the UK took part in The British 10K, described as the world’s greatest road race. Twelve of those runners were participating on behalf of UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation, raising money for various causes across the hospitals.

The race took place in the heart of the capital and passed by The Ritz, St. James’s Palace, Trafalgar Square, the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the historic Westminster Abbey before finishing on Whitehall. The atmosphere was fantastic as thousands of people had turned out on the route to cheer on the runners and watch the race.

The UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation team comprised of staff and patients raising funds for very special causes.

Kerry Rogers took part to support the work of the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre. Kerry’s brother Darren started receiving treatment at the Cancer Centre in September 2012 for liver cancer. He was part of a clinical trial and received a new treatment that involved shrinking the cancer so that it could be operated on. Kerry explains, "I just wanted to do this run to show just how grateful we are for all that the hospital staff did for him, through such a hard time in Darren’s life. They really made a difference."

Another patient ran in support of the Heart Hospital. Chris Smith, and his fiancée Kirsty Bohrer took part in the British 10K and raised over £8,700 towards the cost of a Cardiology Research Nurse. Chris and Kirsty not only ran an impressive time of 60 minutes and 34 seconds, but followed up the event three days later by getting married.

The Lungs for Living research group at UCLH entered a team of five in the race. They sportingly decided to run the 10K course whilst dressed in a costume comprising of two giant lungs and a trachea, which they all took turns in wearing. On such a hot day, the foam outfit was an added challenge for the team but they were rewarded by lots of cheers and support as they made their way around the capital. The Lungs for Living runners handed out leaflets and collected donations in buckets during the race.

We are grateful to all those who ran in the British 10K and raised vital funds for UCLH.