Paul Verrico’s tenacity and dedication culminate in the completion of a formidable marathon challenge, aimed at bolstering cancer research.
- Over 10 months, Verrico traversed three continents, running 265.4 miles through various landscapes.
- The challenge successfully raised £69,501, surpassing the initial £52,000 target for the University of Sheffield’s cancer study.
- Team Verrico, founded in memory of Verrico’s wife, continues to make significant contributions to cancer research and support for affected families.
- The raised funds will aid in investigating a potential biomarker for triple negative breast cancer, with implications for patient monitoring.
In a remarkable display of resilience and commitment, Paul Verrico completed an extensive marathon journey to support cancer research. Over a span of 10 months, Verrico ran a total of 265.4 miles across three continents and ten countries, encountering challenges such as a 7,300 feet elevation gain. Verrico humorously attributes some of the challenges to marathon courses being longer than anticipated rather than his racing line.
As a senior partner at a law firm and a solo parent, Verrico founded Team Verrico after his wife Anna’s passing in 2013 due to a rare form of breast cancer. In her honour, the charity not only supports families affected by cancer but also provides crucial resources including second medical opinions and bereavement counselling. Since its inception, the charity has raised over £1.3m.
This recent fundraising initiative aimed to secure £52,000 to finance a specialised cancer research project at the University of Sheffield. However, through widespread support and contributions from corporate sponsors like MCFT, Mainetti, VPS, and Eversheds, the funds raised totalled £69,501. Key to this achievement was the backing from family and friends, including Verrico’s children who participated in a mini-marathon in Riga.
The project’s focal point is a study led by Professor Lewis at the University of Sheffield, exploring a new biomarker in triple negative breast cancer. The research seeks to determine if this biomarker can predict the likelihood of relapse within three years post-treatment. Such advancements could significantly impact how frequently patients are monitored after initial therapy, enhancing personalised care.
Paul Verrico’s sentiments reflect the relentless battle against cancer and the urgent need for more effective treatments. His efforts highlight a stark reality: while running 10 marathons is challenging, it pales in comparison to the severe trials faced by individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Verrico’s drive and the charity’s ongoing work serve as a beacon of hope for families navigating the harsh realities of cancer.
By allocating additional funds raised, Team Verrico continues to support immediate counselling services for children who have lost parents to cancer. This endeavour underscores Verrico’s unwavering commitment to alleviating some of the emotional burdens that accompany cancer’s impact on families.
The successful completion of Verrico’s marathon challenge represents a significant contribution towards advancements in cancer research and family support.
