Members of the SoR have signed up to Radiotherapy UK’s Miles4Radiotherapy fitness initiative, a two-month-long challenge raising funds for patients and their families.
Taking place throughout July and August, the initiative was launched by Radiotherapy UK during the coronavirus pandemic to bring the radiotherapy community together and promote mental wellbeing, fitness, fun and fundraising.
Over 470 participants are set to track the miles they have covered during physical activity – including walking, running, swimming, or even roller skating and paddle boarding.
Raising awareness of vital radiotherapy
Connor Parish, SoR member and dosimetry and planning Therapeutic Radiographer at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a Therapeutic Radiographer, I see first-hand the impact that cancer has on patients and their families. By taking part in Miles4Radiotherapy, I'm proud to support Radiotherapy UK in raising awareness of the vital role radiotherapy plays in cancer treatment, while helping to ensure services continue to improve for patients now and in the future.”
The initiative is open to all abilities and ages, with any physical activity tracked via the Race At Your Pace app.
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.
These resources are accredited by the Patient Information Forum’s TICK certification, meaning they are accessible, inclusive, and made with the support of patients and clinicians.
Participants last year helped the team reach more than 30,000 people through its hub resources so far, and 93 per cent of last year’s participants said the challenge improved their physical wellbeing.
'Movement is medicine'
Naman Julka-Anderson, advanced practice Therapeutic Radiographer at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and award-winning Rad Chat podcaster, said: “For me, exercise isn’t just about miles on a map; it’s about proving to myself that I’m stronger than the voice telling me to stop. Every step for mental health, every mile for radiotherapy, and every challenge we take on with Miles4Radiotherapy is a reminder that movement is medicine.
“Team Rad Chat are taking part to bring people with lived experience, friends and carers along with people from all across oncology to have fun and obviously compete.”
Kate Knapp-Tabbernor, regional radiotherapy practice educator at the East Midlands Radiotherapy Network & AHP Preceptorship Lead, said: “I love taking part in Miles4Radiotherapy every year – not only does it raise money for the fantastic Radiotherapy UK to continue doing their brilliant work and ensuring patients and families have access to the highest quality, trusted resources, but I also love keeping active and there's a really lovely community feel about the challenge. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging of everyone else taking part!
“I’ve started off the challenge on holiday this year, getting lots of sightseeing steps in! This year looks a bit different for me because of an injury, but I'm not letting that stop me, and the beauty of the challenge is there are so many ways to accrue your miles – there's something for everyone!”
The event is sponsored by medtech distributor Xiel and Oncology Imaging Systems, and participants have already racked up thousands of miles.
Registration provides access to the app, as well as the fundraising page and digital pack, plus the chance to win individual and team prizes.
Find out more about the initiative and how you can take part online now.
(Image: Professor Pat Price, chair of Radiotherapy UK (middle), with participants in the initiative)