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Society of Radiographers members have clocked thousands of miles for a summer challenge to support trusted radiotherapy information.
Miles4Radiotherapy, the annual fundraiser of charity Radiotherapy UK, encourages fundraisers to stack up as many miles as they can by running, walking, swimming and other activities, and has seen significant support from the radiotherapy workforce.
The initiative was launched during the coronavirus pandemic to bring the radiotherapy community together and promote mental wellbeing, fitness, fun and fundraising.
This year, more than 500 people have joined the challenge and collected than 100,000 miles as of 10 August.
Better conversations and better support
Therapeutic Radiographer and Radiotherapy UK ambassador Rose Ting said: “We often talk about how we can improve the experience of patients undergoing radiotherapy. One simple thing we can all do is raise awareness and understanding of radiotherapy, because better understanding can lead to better conversations, better support, and ultimately, a better patient experience. Sometimes raising awareness can be serious… and sometimes it can involve running for ice cream!”
Miles4Radiotherapy runs throughout July and August every year. Participants can track and add miles through the Race At Your Pace app and share photos and updates on its social channel.
Funds go to supporting Radiotherapy UK’s Patients and Families hub, where adult cancer patients can access trusted, empowering and accredited information for free.
The hub was launched in May 2025, to meet the needs of patients who wanted a safe place to access trusted information before, during and after treatment.
Participants tracked their miles by swimming, running and walking, while others took to the water in pedalos, held hydrotherapy sessions, went down zip wires and one ambassador took part in a 10k 'ice cream run'.
Embracing the spirit
Lynsey Rice, projects manager for Radiotherapy UK, said: “Over the last year our Ambassadors’ Network for the radiotherapy workforce has really grown, and they have done an exceptional job of getting involved in the challenge, building teams and embracing the spirit of Miles4Radiotherapy.
“There is so much happening for the workforce right now, but they are doing a really impressive job of staying resilient, supporting each other, staying fit and having fun. It is truly inspiring! As a small charity, we are so thankful for this support, which helps us continue to develop resources for our Patients and Families online hub.
“We have always aimed to have a challenge that welcomes everyone. This year has shown the inclusion of the event, with people of all abilities taking part in a way that’s right for them. Needless to say we are proud of everyone, but particularly those this year who have been going through cancer-related fatigue and side effects yet still getting involved.”
Find out more about the fundraiser and Radiotherapy UK online here now.
(Image: Radiotherapy UK director Sarah Quinlan MBE and Trustee Andy Tudor with charity Patron Bryan Robson OBE and former professional footballer Keith O’Neill, via Radiotherapy UK)