# Teenage Cancer Trust is 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon charity partner

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/04/26/teenage-cancer-trust-2018-virgin-money-london-marathon-charity-partner/
- Published: 2017-04-26T13:15:14+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Teenage Cancer Trust has been named as the charity partner for the Virgin Money
London Marathon in 2018.**

The theme of the partnership will be ‘[Be a Legend](http://www.bealegend.org)‘, 
under which the charity aims to mobilise a team of ‘legendary’ supports to run for
the charity in the marathon, or indeed volunteer on the day.

The charity aims to raise **£1.5m** from the event for young people with cancer 
across the UK. Currently, for every young person aged 13-24 Teenage Cancer Trust
supports, there’s another they can’t. As a result, it aims to support every young
person with cancer by 2020.

## Advertisement

## Russell Brand film

Comedian and long-time Teenage Cancer Trust supporter, Russell Brand, is the face
of the launch film. True to form, he uses it to satirise the way we think about 
charity in the social media age. With tongue firmly in cheek, Brand encourages people
to take part in the marathon for purely selfish reasons, so they can “look good 
whilst doing good”.  

![Russell Brand and Chris](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2017/04/russell-
brand-and-chris.jpg)

_Russell Brand and Chris_

Kate Collins, Director of Fundraising and Marketing, at Teenage Cancer Trust, said:“
We’re delighted to be launching our important partnership with Virgin Money London
Marathon 2018 with a film that has a cheeky tone but a serious message.

“Huge thanks to Chris, a young man who is currently going through treatment for 
cancer, and our long-term supporter Russell Brand for teaming up to make the film.”

Jo Barnett, Director of Social Enterprise at Virgin Money, said: “Virgin Money is
proud to partner with this amazing charity and help them take one step closer to
their goal of reaching every young person with cancer who needs them.”

## Previous charity partners

Previous Virgin Money London Marathon charity partners have included:

2017: [Heads Together](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/04/24/heads-together-2017-virgin-money-london-marathon-charity-year/)

2016: [NSPCC](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/05/03/nspcc-is-official-charity-partner-for-2016-virgin-money-london-marathon/)
2015: [Cancer Research UK](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/04/28/cancer-research-uk-runners-raise-over-2-4m-in-london-marathon/)
2014: [Anthony Nolan](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/05/07/anthony-nolan-chosen-official-charity-partner-2014-virgin-money-london-marathon/)
2013: YouthNet; Age UK2012: Team PB the Prostate Cancer Charity Breast Cancer Care2011:
Oxfam2010: [CLIC Sargent](https://fundraising.co.uk/2010/04/26/record-number-runners-first-virgin-london-marathon/)
2009: [The Children’s Trust](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/04/28/children039s-trust-broadcasts-live-online-london-marathon-mobile-phone/)
2008: [Heart UK; Spinal Injuries Association](https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/05/22/london-marathon-2008039s-official-charities-announced/)
2007: WellChild2006: The Stroke Association; Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust2005:
Help the Hospices2004: [Sense; British Heart Foundation](https://fundraising.co.uk/2003/05/13/official-charities-2004-flora-london-marathon-announced/)
2003: Shelter2002: Outward Bound; FCWL2001: MS Society2000: Mencap

The London Marathon has had a charity partner since 1984.

## Creative behind the campaign

James Robertson, brand and design manager, and Jessie Donnelly, digital engagement
executive, at Teenage Cancer Trust explained in January 2019 how they helped develop
the creative behind the Be a Legend campaign. The presentation was shared at a [CharityComms](http://www.charitycomms.org.uk)
event. 
 

 ** [Quick-fire creative inspiration – Teenage Cancer Trust | Creatives Group | 29 Jan 2019](https://www.slideshare.net/CharityComms/quickfire-creative-inspiration-teenage-cancer-trust-creatives-group-29-jan-2019)**
from **[CharityComms](https://www.slideshare.net/CharityComms)**

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