Fundraising in 2025: Challenge, Community and Connection

In 2025, our members and supporters raised a whopping £85,845 for EGFR+ UK through a wide variety of exciting and creative fundraising events. These events secured essential funds to support the charity’s mission, while simultaneously contributing to our goal of raising awareness of EGFR+ lung cancer and building community amongst our members. During my first year as a Trustee with EGFR+ UK, I was lucky enough to take part in three fundraising events.

The first project was a deeply personal one. Despite growing up in one of the flattest counties in Britain, I have been fascinated by mountains all my life. Travelling to Wales to see relatives as a child, I would gaze at the surrounding peaks and wonder what it felt like to stand on top. When I climbed my first mountain, I was not disappointed; the sense of achievement, peace and connection to nature soon had me hooked. Over the years I completed the Wainwright peaks of the Lake District, the Ethels hills of the Peak District, started the Scottish Munro mountains and many more.

I was first diagnosed with EGFR+ lung cancer in 2022 and needed a lobectomy that would reduce my lung capacity by 35%. I did not hesitate to proceed with this life-saving surgery, but I was devastated at the thought that my life in the mountains might be over. As I recovered post-surgery, I became absolutely determined that I would do my very best to ensure that cancer did not take away everything that I loved. Three weeks after surgery, I managed a local hill, and at six weeks post-op, I hiked up a small mountain. I was very slow and needed the support and encouragement of Simon, my husband and walking partner. This probably wasn’t the wisest thing to do, but the euphoria and clarity that I felt as I stood on that high vantage point healed some of the trauma of my diagnosis.

That same year, I stumbled across the EGFR+ UK charity, and the emotional support of fellow members who understood and shared my experience was a further important part of my healing. I decided to bring these two important elements of my recovery together with a challenge that I hoped would raise some money for the charity. There are 446 mountains in England and Wales (a hill over 2,000 feet or 610 metres). Simon and I had spent a few years trying to climb them all, but I still had a dozen to complete when we launched our fundraiser. Three years after my diagnosis, in July 2025, we finished this challenge on Pillar Rock in Cumbria. This experience felt exhilarating and truly cathartic: I had raised a significant sum for a charity I loved and completed a long-term ambition.

Other supporters have also achieved personal goals while fundraising for the charity. We have seen sponsored swims, hikes, marathons and cycle rides. Last August, I joined thirty brave EGFR+ warriors who climbed the roof of the O2 arena in an event organised by volunteer Vicky. This was a fun and inspiring event, where I was able to meet some of our wonderful members in person. I was overwhelmed by the courage and determination shown by those involved. Climbing to a 52-metre-high summit is not an easy feat for lung patients! The sense of connection, belonging and purpose that drives our charity was a key feature of that day. September saw the Tour de Four, which our leader John described so well in our last newsletter. I am no cyclist and did not find this event easy, but it was a privilege to see the resolve and bravery of our team, many of whom had overcome significant challenges to be there.

I would encourage people to get involved in fundraising for EGFR+ UK. It does not have to be a physical challenge. Supporters have raised money through social events like quizzes and coffee mornings too. Not only are you supporting families and patients affected by EGFR+ lung cancer, but you are also raising awareness and having a lot of fun along the way. Contact me at membersupport@egfrpositive.org.uk for support with any fundraising ideas.

Liz Baker, EGFR+ UK Trustee