With one in two people facing cancer, it’s a battle in our own community.
We’re a group of local people who have been touched by cancer, coming together with one purpose - to give back.
Meet the team behind Ampthill vs Cancer.
Dave
I’m a husband and father of three, currently in remission from stage 4 melanoma thanks to advances in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy saved my life, and that experience has driven my determination to give back and help ensure these life‑saving treatments continue to be available for others.
After 18 months of personal fundraising, came up with the idea for a 5K community event to bring people together in the fight against cancer. Now in its second year, I’m proud to be working alongside a fantastic team to make it happen, raising vital funds, awareness and hope for the future.
We need an army of volunteers to make this happen, so please consider joining the team.
Jason
I’m a husband and father and I’m enormously grateful to be able to say that following kidney cancer in 2012. My father died of cancer of the unknown primary. So good and bad stories. I’ve campaigned in parliament to influence government strategies for cancer on behalf of Central Bedfordshire and inspired by AVC, bringing affected communities together.
Gavin
I’m Gavin and in July 2023 on our family holiday to Crete I collapsed on the beach and had a seizure.
Upon making it back to the UK and going straight to Bedford hospital, I was soon transferred to Addenbrooks hospital to be told that I had a suspected Stage 4 Gliobastoma (GMB) Brain Tumour and was told I had a survival rate was 12 - 18 months and only 5% of patients live longer than 5 years.
There is no known cure for my condition, but after 6 hours of brain surgery, 5 of which I was wide awake and several months of Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and trial drugs, my condition is being successfully managed by the amazing team at Addenbrooks.
The support myself and Kristie have received from the Ampthill community has been amazing, who over the last year have helped me raise £40k in donations to Brain Tumour Research.
This is why Ampthill vs Cancer 5K is so important to me and why I feel it’s my turn to give back to the community and organisations who have and still support me in my journey.
Jen
In October 2021, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Just a few months later, on Valentine’s Day 2022 fittingly, we moved to Ampthill, a day that also happened to coincide with one of my chemotherapy treatments.
It was an incredibly challenging time, but from the moment we arrived, the warmth and kindness of this community carried us through. Our neighbours, friends wrapped us in support, showing us the true heart of Ampthill.
I am passionate about raising awareness and promoting early diagnosis of breast cancer, knowing firsthand how vital it is. When I heard about Dave’s idea for Ampthill vs Cancer, I knew I had to be involved.
Emma
I’m Emma, and in 2013, I was diagnosed with a malignant germ cell tumour—a rare type of ovarian cancer. After emergency surgery, I was transferred to Addenbrooke’s, where I learned that, because of how aggressive the cancer was, I needed chemotherapy. Thankfully, after research and trials, doctors had found a specific type of chemo that was highly effective in preventing the cancer from coming back—without it, there was almost no doubt it would return.
Thanks to the quick action at Bedford Hospital and the amazing team at Addenbrooke’s, I was given the all-clear six years later.
Cancer has hit the rest of my family too - I lost my cousin to a brain tumour in 2015, but saw the amazing care he was given at a local hospice, and both of my parents have also been diagnosed in recent years but, like me, they were successfully treated at Addenbrooke’s. The support from these teams has meant everything to us. In fact, my dad was so grateful that he now volunteers as a driver for the Primrose Car Service, helping transport local patients to Addenbrooke’s for radiotherapy.
Gus
I was young and healthy until my life took a turn in 2019. While enjoying a boat holiday with my family, I discovered a painless lump in my armpit. Just three weeks later, that small discovery had grown considerably in size and was spreading—a rare and aggressive case of Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma (LPHD).
At 35, a husband and a dad to two amazing boys, aged 4 and 9, and the thought of them growing up without me propelled me through the challenges ahead. I underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, and thanks to the incredible support from the Primrose Centre in Bedford, I’m due to be in full remission this year.
Without the local medical support I received, along with the love and encouragement from my family and friends, I honestly can’t say where I would be today. I am passionate about supporting the Ampthill vs Cancer charity event, helping raise awareness and funds for those facing similar battles. Inspiring others to stand Strong and support one another during difficult times in our community.
Louise
I’m Louise. I found a lump in my left breast in December 2021. I had was 50 in June 21 and had been walking the dogs with a friend, who’d also turned 50 in 2021, a few days before. Her first mammogram appointment was that week and I only checked myself as I was wondering when I would get my appointment through. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in Jan 22.
The hospital was amazing, they were so fast treating me, it was a bit of a whirlwind. I had my surgery in Feb 22 and radiotherapy in April. It was all over by Easter. I was lucky. It was caught early and although it was invasive, I only needed surgery and radiotherapy. The team in the breast care unit in Milton Keynes were amazing right through my initial assessment and surgery. It was a terrifying time but treatment for the different types of breast cancer has advanced so much, my treatment was straightforward (although it didn’t feel like that at the time!)
Raising awareness about early diagnosis is so important and as I used to be a runner, and race director for the Ampthill Trophy 10k, getting involved with the AVC 5k was a no brainer.
Mark
I’m Mark in husband and father of 3, in December 2023 I was diagnosed with both B-cell and T-Cell lymphomas which is extremely rare. Thankfully I am now in remission off one and having treatment for the other. Being positive about cancer is the main reason I am beating this and Addenbrooks have been excellent in supporting me and my family.
Jimmy
Chris Gray was a fit, healthy 53 year old, ate well, didn’t smoke, not a big drinker. He was a keen cyclist and runner.
In 2015 he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer which had spread to his liver, stomach and back.
Dad was given 6 months to live, he fought bravely for 9.
In that time he cycled from London to Brighton off-road (while undergoing chemotherapy) he prepared Ampthill Fireplaces for its new chapter and dedicated all his available time and energy to spending time with my sisters, mum and myself
Since his diagnosis I have completed various fund raising challenges including a wakeboard world record and long distance cycle rides. Ampthill vs Cancer is by far the most exciting as it will be here for years to come.
My dad supported all things local, he would have loved this event and would definitely have been next to me on the start line
Dan
I'm a proud Ampthill local with a big heart, a love of adventure, and a deeply personal connection to the world of cancer.
In 2025, I was diagnosed with a Grade 4 brain tumour, a life-changing moment that brought with it surgery at Addenbrooke's Hospital, followed by a gruelling course of chemoradiation and chemotherapy. Throughout my treatment, I faced every challenge with quiet courage and an unwavering determination to keep living life fully. I continue to do exactly that.
Cancer, however, is not a new presence in my life. My mum, Christine, is a breast cancer survivor of over ten years, a true testament to strength and resilience, and sister-in-law, Helen, is currently navigating her own breast cancer diagnosis.
For me, volunteering with Ampthill vs Cancer isn't just something I do; it's something I feel compelled to do. I know first-hand what it means to sit on both sides of a diagnosis, and want others in the community to feel less alone in that experience.
I enjoy the F1, spending quality time with friends and family, especially daughter Phoebie and wife Caz, and out on walks around Ampthill with the family's beloved black Labrador, Tumble. Before my diagnosis, my passions included snowboarding and mountain biking, adventures I hope very much to find my way back to one day.
Michelle and Ava
We are Michelle and Ava and have supported a dearly loved mum and nanny through radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy and seen the fantastic work and incredible support Primrose, Addenbrookes and Kings College London hospital provide to its patients.
The Primrose volunteers who provide a car service to Addenbrookes for appointments helped us as a family very much and the service is invaluable. Getting involved in AvC to raise awareness and funds for amazing local charities will help other families to experience the incredible support.
Harry
At The Social, we’ve created a community HQ in the heart of Ampthill bringing people from all walks of life together and giving them a safe space to visit and meet new friends.
But Ampthill vs Cancer is something even bigger. Like many, I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, and it’s something that stays with you. When me and Dave were out running a 5K and he told me about the Ampthill vs Cancer event I just knew i had to be involved. It's a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and raise funds to support those going through the toughest times.
Laurence
As the founder of Brains4Brains - an Ampthill-based fundraising event for Brain Tumour Research; I've seen and experienced the impact that cancer has on both the individuals who receive the diagnosis and also their families.
I'm dedicated to raising money to fund the fight so that all those impacted by cancer can have hope. Together we will find a cure.