Cure Leukaemia’s chief executive, James McLaughlin, is preparing to take on his toughest fundraising challenge yet: running 270 miles across 14 consecutive days with no rest days, in a bid to raise £100,000 for the charity, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Along the way, McLaughlin will pass through 29 blood cancer centres supported by Cure Leukaemia, including key stages in Sheffield and Leeds on Monday, 15 September. The gruelling challenge, dubbed Run The Nations, will begin on Wednesday, 10 September at Royal Worcester Hospital and conclude at Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesday, 23 September.

Last year, McLaughlin covered 224 miles over 16 days with rest days built in. This year, he will run more than 10 marathons in just two weeks without a single break. Both his opening and closing runs will stretch 27 miles, a symbolic reminder that every 27 seconds someone, somewhere in the world, is diagnosed with blood cancer.

The £100,000 target would fund two specialist research nurses, enabling patients across the UK to access pioneering clinical trials and potentially life-saving therapies, where standard care has not been successful. Cure Leukaemia’s funding provides hope to the 250,000 people living with blood cancer in the UK.

James McLaughlin said: “I am honoured to take on this challenge and run for the countless individuals affected by blood cancer. Every step of this journey is dedicated to the patients, families, and medical professionals who inspire us daily. Through Run The Nations, we hope to not only raise vital funds but also amplify the voices of those who need our support the most.”

At every stage of his challenge, James will be running side by side with patients, families, and clinicians, placing them at the very heart of his efforts.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and Cure Leukaemia is encouraging the public to get involved through its Move The Nations campaign. Supporters can join McLaughlin for a few miles, run an entire stage, or set their own Move The Nations challenge to contribute to the collective 96,000-minute target – the number of people who will be told they have blood cancer during the month.