Marathon effort boosts cancer support in France

Around 25 runners ran in in the Nice-Cannes Marathon to raise money for two organisations offering English language support for cancer sufferers in France.

Funds raised by those running the race, which was held on November 3, will provide funds for both Cancer Support Group 06 and Mimosa, a Community against Cancer. 

Both are based in Alpes-Maritimes and offer English-language support and information for patients and their loved ones.

“It is the biggest event in our calendar as it helps raise awareness and the money raised can help us keep the association running for another year or so,” said Eli Cookson, 60, psychotherapist and volunteer for Cancer Support Group 06. 

“We have no reserves so this is one of the ways we generate an income for the association. It is hard graft for the runners and hard graft for us to keep the association running,” said Brian Woolf, 73, president of Cancer Support Group 06. 

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Marathon effort

The runners took part in different ways, either completing the full distance themselves or joining a relay team. 

Two handi-chair teams also took part, supported by other runners. 

“The marathon is very symbolic of the suffering. It will not be easy for our runners for those few hours, but what we want to show is that it is only a few hours of suffering,” said Mrs Cookson. 

“For people suffering from cancer, it is a daily life of struggle which sometimes cannot even be seen from the outside.” 

The two associations organised training and personalised nutrition advice, as well as motivation for the runners. 

Cancer Support Group 06 has been taking part in the event since 2018 and features handi-chair athletes for a second year running. 

One of the racers using a handi-chair was made handicapped through his battle with cancer but was determined to take part in the marathon and was pushed by other runners, a tradition they are continuing for this year’s event. 

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€30,000 fundraising target 

The fundraising campaign, which has a €30,000 target, will continue until the end of November. 

As well as English, the association supports patients and their families in Italian, Dutch and French. 

“We offer a complement to the French system, we help people navigate it and support individuals after,” said Mr Woolf. 

“Our extra services include nutrition, diet, reflexology, and art and harp therapy. We have a wonderful harpist who does one-on-one sessions, which is an effective and scientifically-proven way of reaching the inner self.”

The association was started in 2013 by two women who were undergoing chemotherapy and given a room to meet and support each other. 

It has since grown to host regular drop-in meetings, although take-up has dwindled since the Covid pandemic. 

There is also a Zoom group for bereaved family members or friends of cancer sufferers who have passed away. 

Find out more at cancersupportgroup06.com and mimosamatters.org