A popular charity event celebrating its 25th year has raised £60,000 to support patients receiving treatment at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood.
The Moor Park 10 & More took place on Sunday 20 September, bringing around 1,100 people together for a 10k run, a 5k walk and a series of fun runs for children. The event, organised by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, was held at Merchant Taylors’ School and across the Moor Park estate.
Hannah Gordon, the charity’s event manager, said: “It was such a fantastic day! We had blue skies and sunshine, unlike the last few rainy years, which made it so much more fun.
“I want to thank everyone who came along to run, walk, volunteer or supported the event and helped make it a wonderful day. You all helped raise a fantastic £60,000 which help us support patients going through cancer treatment at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.
“Special thanks go to the family of Sunny Sharma who raised an incredible £10,000 in his memory.”
Supporting patients at Mount Vernon
The money raised will help fund extra support for people receiving cancer treatment at Mount Vernon, including practical measures designed to make treatment a little easier for patients and their families.
Beth McNeil, head of fundraising, added: “What an amazing day we had at this year’s event! The weather was kind to us, so it was lovely being able to talk to everyone in the sunshine and hear why they were taking part.
“Nobody ever wants to receive a cancer diagnosis, but we heard time and again how our wonderful team at the centre really do give patients the very best care and support and make that difficult time, so much better.
“We support them by providing items like scalp cooling caps to reduce the likelihood of hair loss for patients having chemotherapy. We fund complementary therapies such as massage and relaxation sessions to help patients cope with the side effects of their treatment. We also fund projects to improve the outside spaces so patients and staff have somewhere to take a break outside away from the clinical environment.
“We couldn’t do these things without wonderful people joining events like Moor Park 10 & More so thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event. You really do make a difference for people going through the physical and emotional upset of cancer treatment.”
More than a century of healthcare in Northwood
Mount Vernon has been part of Northwood for more than 120 years. The hospital opened in 1904 and was originally known for treating tuberculosis, at a time when fresh air and open surroundings formed an important part of treatment.
Over the decades, the site changed significantly and went on to become well known for cancer treatment and research. Today, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre provides specialist services for patients from Hertfordshire, north west London and surrounding areas.
Future of the cancer centre
The anniversary fundraiser also comes at an important time for the future of the centre. Earlier this year, NHS England consulted on plans that could see specialist cancer services moved from Northwood to a new purpose-built centre alongside Watford General Hospital.
The consultation ran from January to March and received more than 3,000 responses. NHS officials have said the current Mount Vernon site does not have some of the acute services increasingly needed alongside modern cancer care, including intensive care and emergency facilities.
A consultation report was published in June and work is now continuing on a Decision Making Business Case before any final decision is made.
In the meantime, improvement works are continuing at the existing Northwood site. Mount Vernon Cancer Centre has received millions of pounds in funding for upgrades, with the current programme expected to continue into spring 2027.
Thanks to supporters
Organisers also thanked Merchant Taylors’ School, which received the Lynda Jackson Recognition Award for hosting the event again.
Sponsors included Pinner Dental Care, Telic Accountants, Maitre Constructing, Fruity Fresh, Move Well, Trojan Fitness and Sky TV, alongside the volunteers who helped make the event possible.
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