Group of Friends to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Hertfordshire and Kent group of friends to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Oracle HNCUK
A group of three friends from Hertfordshire and Kent have been telling South East Online that they will attempt to summit the highest peak on the African continent to raise awareness and funds for Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK.
Expedition climb timetable
Brother and sister, Callum and Josie McGurk from Ware, along with best friend Henry Rynehart from Sevenoaks, will start the climb on the 26th of August and aim to make the summit on the 31st of August. They will finish the expedition on the 3rd of September. It is the first time the group of friends have ever attempted a challenge of this magnitude and hope the ambitious ascent will raise funds for Oracle.
The trio were inspired to support the charity by Josie and Callum McGurk’s uncle, Professor Mark McGurk, who is a pioneering oral and maxillofacial head and neck cancer surgeon and consultant. Mark also serves as a trustee and surgical lead for Oracle which merged with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, of which he was a co-founder.
Cancer survivor stories are humbling
Callum explains why they are supporting Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK; “On a personal level, me and my sister Josie have grown up watching the efforts of our uncle, Professor Mark McGurk. We have listened to the stories of cancer survivors and have been humbled by their experiences and the resilience they and their families have shown. We encourage everyone to take the time to read some of these stories themselves in the hope that this may raise awareness and understanding of the symptoms to look out for; but also, the available support networks.”
Michelle Vickers, Chief Awareness Officer at Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK says; “We are delighted that Callum, Josie and Henry are putting themselves forward for a challenge of this scale, all in aid of raising funds for Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK. In completing this climb, they will play a part in improving patient outcomes for those faced with head and neck cancer, and I ask that anyone who is able to, please donate whatever amount they can. We wish them all the best for the climb!”
World Radiotherapy Awareness Day 14th November
WRAD2025 has 250+ global organisations united for a crucial cause in radiotherapy best practice
Big #Cancer52 Conversation
Insightful discussions at the Big #Cancer52 Conversation focusing on reducing health inequalities.
National cancer plan
Government committed to a stand-alone cancer strategy and the importance of a national cancer plan.
£70m funding for radiotherapy
The recent announcement of £70 million in government funding for modern radiotherapy is welcome news
Rising rates of head and neck cancers in England
A new report from the University of Sheffield that highlights rising rates of head and neck cancer in England.
Exciting new research funding opportunity
Small Grants Programme, offering a total funding £55,000 to support 1-3 innovative research projects.
Match Funding Appeal
Oracle HNCUK has an extraordinary opportunity to help research through an amazing Match Funding Appeal
Today is World Mental Health Day 💚
A head and neck cancer diagnosis can take a significant emotional toll, not only on the patient but also on their loved ones.
Help Beat Head and Neck Cancer
Follow us
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).
Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (7125497). Registered address: 80 Coombe Road, New Malden KT3 4QS.