As we look forward to gathering with family and friends this holiday season, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of the 40tude family this year!
 
With your help, 40tude continues to champion the early detection of colon cancer, which can be treated if it is found early.  By raising vital awareness and funding ground-breaking research, together we’re helping to reduce the number of families affected by this type of cancer.

The difference we’re making 

40tude is now the lead or exclusive funder of multiple ground-breaking research programmes led by the exceptional medics at St. Mark’s, the national bowel hospital, in collaboration with many other esteemed research institutions. Together these initiatives are driving real progress in improving the early detection of colon cancer, particularly for those known to be at higher risk such individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and those with the familial Lynch Syndrome gene.  Some of the many highlights this year include: 

➡️ National CT Colonography Academy recognised by NHS England, which has agreed to fund 210 trainees per year via its Education and Training Activity Plan (ETAP) – ringing endorsement for this hugely successful training programme which evolved from the PERFECTS study funded by 40tude.    

We’re delighted also that the resulting increase in the numbers of radiologists and radiographers able to perform high-quality CT Colonography means that this form of screening is being used increasingly within the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, enabling earlier diagnosis for more people within the NHS.

➡️ Major progress in hereditary colon cancer research:  the National Lynch Syndrome Programme and the Tom Smith Research Fellowship – both funded by 40tude - are continuing to make great strides in advancing the understanding of familial colon cancer. These programmes are already helping to identify and monitor more effectively those with a genetic risk of developing this type of cancer. 

➡️ National media attention for the 40tude-funded ICAN IBD Study, following publication of an article in the highly regarded GUT Journal.  This ground-breaking collaboration between St. Mark’s and the Institute of Cancer Research is identifying the molecular biomarkers that more accurately determine cancer risk in people with IBD.  Earlier this year the team reported their significant findings after comparing the DNA sequences of IBD patients, in which notable differences were found between those who developed cancer with those who did not.  The next step is to test their research through a clinical evaluation, and we’ll be sharing more news about this hugely exciting development soon in the New Year.   

➡️Meanwhile in 2025 we piloted our innovative Half:Time Test Campaign, enabling more people to get tested for colon cancer at a younger age.  So far we have partnered with Brompton, Wype, Ontic, Riviera Travel, Sigma, Datapharm and SureCloud, all of whom have offered qFIT tests – simple to take at-home tests - to their employees (or in the case of Wype, customers) aged between 45-49.

Some 10% of the tests returned to date have indicated that further investigation was required, and advice has been given to those with a positive result as to how to follow this up with their doctor – something that likely would not have been detected before they became eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme at the age of 50. 

Would you like to be the next to roll out this excellent initiative within your organisation?  Click here to find out more.   

Flying the flag for 40tude

 
None of this progress would be possible without the incredible commitment of the 40tude community.  A huge thank you to all of you who have either undertaken a challenge in the name of 40tude, or donated to inspire others as they pushed themselves to their limits.  Special mentions for 2025 go to: 
 
🌟 Our Skeleton Coast Adventure Challenge Team, who cheerfully battled windy coastal conditions and crawled up many a dune as they trekked 100km in the Namib desert this September, helping to raise vital awareness of colon cancer as well as over £51,000 for 40tude. 
 
🌟 The indefatigable 40tuder Andrew Peterson, who completed the Silk Road Mountain Race in July: riding (and at times, pushing) his bike 1,920km and 30,100m in ascent through the wilderness of Kyrgyzstan in just 13 days on this epic unsupported cycle challenge.  As a result of his extreme efforts Andy has raised more than £55,000 to support the 40tude Tom Smith Research Fellowship.
 
🌟 Grace Chatten, Chief People Officer at Brompton, who took on a 330km coast-to-coast cycle - on her folding Brommie of course!  No small achievement, as Grace had not ridden a bike for many years due to balance issues following the total loss of her hearing.  Through her brave solo challenge, Grace raised £3,500 for 40tude. 
 
🌟 Stalwart supporter Stuart Thom, who with Budge Pountney and a team of fellow rugby players and friends completed The Royal Dash, cycling 141 miles in 13 hours between Northern Ireland’s three ‘Royal’ golf clubs, raising awareness and funds for 40tude as well as the MyName’5 Doddie Foundation.  More recently Stuart tried his hand at boxing, stepping out of his comfort zone and into the ring in Belfast with just eight weeks’ training under his belt. 
 
🌟 Our 2025 runners, including Mary Hughan who ran the Bath Half, Paula Howell who completed the Kirkbymoorside 10K, and all of our dedicated Marathon runners:  Lucy Morrison and Phoebe Aucamp who smashed the London Marathon in April; Oliver Boardman who ran the Manchester Marathon on the same day;  Oliver Lee-Amies whose city of choice was Amsterdam, and Tatum Moore who made her marathon debut in San Sebastián in November.  Between them they have raised a fantastic £15,000 for 40tude.

Tempted but daunted to try a marathon?  You can do it!  Click here to find out how you could enjoy free classes with Psycle London to help you train if you sign up to run a marathon for 40tude.   
 
🌟 IAG Loyalty’s Customer Ops Data Team who made 40tude the beneficiary of their charity days this year, and raised £1,200 through their 16km team walk through London.
 
🌟 11 year-old Maddie Moore, who took the initiative to hold craft sale in her neighbourhood, raising over £200 for 40tude.
 
Every contribution - large or small - helps us move closer to curing colon cancer. Thank you for your commitment, energy, and support of 40tude’s mission.
 
With all good wishes for a very happy Christmas and a healthy 2026,
 
The 40tude Team