A massive thank you from us!
13 July 2026
Just 18 months after a small group of local people came together with a simple ambition to support those affected by cancer, this year’s fundraising has so far generated more than £60,000, with other events planned for September, this is an increase of over 50% on last year’s inaugural event.
This year’s main event, the Ampthill vs Cancer 5k, held on Sunday 28th June, welcomed 1,400 participants across the 5K, Golden Hare Mile and Mini Hare races, with thousands more attending throughout the day to support runners, enjoy live entertainment and celebrate the community spirit that has become synonymous with the event. The 2026 event was, for the first time, a complete sell out, reflecting its rapid growth and the increasing support behind the charity.
Earlier this year, Ampthill vs Cancer became a registered charity, enabling us to expand our work beyond the annual event and develop a year-round programme of support for people affected by cancer.
“When we organised our first event, we simply wanted to bring our community together to support people affected by cancer because so many of us on the committee know first-hand how lonely that journey can be. We never imagined how quickly it would grow,” comments David Bateson, Trustee and Founder of Ampthill vs Cancer.
“To have raised more than £60,000 this year alone is incredible, but what makes us most proud is what that support will now enable us to do. Every pound represents somebody who chose to stand alongside people affected by cancer.”
As a registered charity, Ampthill vs Cancer will now work closely with its designated charity partners for 2026 – Keech Hospice and MOVE Against Cancer – to award grants that support their work.
Alongside these grants, the charity is developing its own programme of community support, ensuring funds raised continue to benefit local people. Over the coming weeks, further announcements will be made on a range of initiatives, including:
• additional cancer screening programmes for both men and women;
• a specialist cancer movement and rehabilitation programme;
• dedicated counselling and wellbeing support for people affected by cancer.
Earlier this year, Ampthill vs Cancer funded its first community initiative by supporting a prostate cancer screening programme, providing PSA testing for almost 250 local men.
“From the very beginning, we’ve promised to be transparent about how funds are used,” David adds. “Becoming a charity has given us the opportunity to create a structured grants programme while also investing directly in services that will benefit people within our own community.”We’re currently working through the next stage of that process with our charity partners and trustees, and we’ll be announcing the first grants and community programmes over the coming weeks. This is only the beginning.”