Many of us know someone with cancer. But it rarely develops in a person making a career for themselves in their 20s. We were devastated when George, one of our Principal Consultants, was diagnosed with stage 2A Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2018 – and we resolved to support him as much as we could.

Throughout the past year, we’ve been bowled over by the service provided by Macmillan Cancer Support. So, this September, the Build Space team got together to raise funds for a cause that’s very close to our heart and help battle cancer.

It’s a knockout
 

The fundraiser was scheduled for the 14th. In the months leading up to it, we kept making noise about what we were up to – which ended up being a version of It’s a Knockout, the classic TV show.

Build Space turned up to an event near our London HQ, run by an official It’s a Knockout team. Like the series, we were sent through the ringer. We raced against other teams on a three-man space hopper. We threw wet sponges to each other on tiny pedestals. We climbed a water slide, with just a rope and a crowd to rely on. The games were a perfect symbol for the biggest test a person can face.

After setting an initial £1,500 fundraising target, it quickly became clear this was a cause close to your hearts too. 69 donors got involved, and we smashed the figure out of the park. So, the best way to aid a case like George’s? Double our target to £3,000, and funnel it towards Macmillan so that they can keep doing what they’re doing for George and thousands like him.

Join the fight
 

George has been on quite the journey so far, including two types of chemo and a relapse before moving to immunotherapy. However, the signs are positive and he’s anticipating a stem cell transplant in 2019 that should leave him stronger than ever.

We’re inspired by how George has soldiered his way into work, largely thanks to the invaluable support and guidance from Macmillan. From dietary tweaks to financial advice, to coaching on living with the disease, the charity works tirelessly to assist those affected by cancer, their families, and countless healthcare professionals.

Please discover more information about the charity on their website. And join us in wishing George the best for the future. We’re immensely proud to call him one of our own.