George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

George Ezra

Paradise

Listen Live

Harrogate nurse takes on double marathon challenge for pancreatic cancer

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 09:56

Andrea Stark will run and swim 26.2 miles for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

A Harrogate woman is preparing to take on a demanding double marathon challenge to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Andrea Stark, an NHS nurse and Nuffield Health member based in Harrogate, is set to run the London Marathon next year.

And to help raise more money for her chosen charity - Pancreatic Cancer UK - she’ll also be completing the equivalent marathon distance in swimming.

Andrea’s fundraising efforts are motivated by personal loss.

She has lost both her mother and her uncle to pancreatic cancer, a disease known for its poor survival rates and late diagnosis.

According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, around half of those diagnosed die within three months.

Andrea is aiming to honour the memory of her relatives while supporting others affected by the disease.

She said:

“Running has become more than exercise for me. It has helped me through loss, taught me resilience, and reminded me of my own strength.

“Taking on the marathon feels like a way to combine that personal journey with something much bigger, supporting a cause that truly matters.

“Knowing that every pound I raise could help someone feel less alone, live longer, or have more options is incredibly motivating.

“I will give it my all. I won't give up. I will cross that finish line, and with your donations, we will make a huge difference to the lives of others.”

The swimming element of the challenge will involve completing the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles in the pool, in addition to the London Marathon itself.

Donations raised through the challenge will support Pancreatic Cancer UK’s research, campaigning work and specialist nursing services, which provide practical and emotional support to families during diagnosis and treatment.

Find out more about Andrea’s challenge and donate here.

More from Local News

Ripon Races to round off season with beer festival

Ripon Racecourse will close its 2026 season this Saturday (26th September) with an afternoon of racing, beer and live music.
Harrogate volunteers give 180 hours to town centre clean-up

Volunteers have given 180 hours of their time to help spruce up Harrogate during four days of community action.
Harrogate women's friendship group celebrates first birthday

A group helping women make new friends in Harrogate has celebrated its first birthday after growing to more than 1,500 members.
North Yorkshire Police to use live facial recognition for first time

North Yorkshire Police will use live facial recognition technology for the first time this week.
Killinghall man given suspended sentence after strangling partner

A Killinghall man who repeatedly assaulted his partner has been given a suspended prison sentence and a 15-year restraining order.
Former Harrogate metal works site to be transformed into new homes

The first images of eight new townhouses being built on a former metal works site in Harrogate have been released.
Harrogate football clubs urged to apply for £20,000 equipment funding

Grassroots football clubs in Harrogate are being urged to apply for equipment vouchers through a new £20,000 fund.
Ripon teen who survived stroke raises £1,000 for hospital

A Ripon Grammar School student who had to learn to walk and talk again following a devastating stroke has completed his first half marathon.
Work begins on £5.8million Fountains Abbey project

Construction has officially started on a £5.8million project to improve visitor facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Harrogate Town runners complete Great North Run for Community Foundation

Six runners have completed the Great North Run to raise money for Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation.
National recognition for Harrogate's MAN v FAT programme

A football-based weight loss programme run by Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation has received national recognition after its members collectively lost 1,243kg.
Council chiefs back school transport policy despite "legacy of harm" claim

North Yorkshire Council chiefs have rejected calls to scrap an unpopular school transport policy, telling opposition councillors they would make the same decision if they were responsible for the authority’s finances.
Second home owners challenge North Yorkshire's 100% council tax premium

Councillors are set to debate calls for North Yorkshire Council to suspend its controversial second home council tax premium after a petition attracted 1,000 signatures.
X Factor legend set to perform at Bilton Club

X Factor favourite Chico is set to perform live at Bilton Club next year.
Harrogate's Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours

A Harrogate-based Community Interest Company is taking on a gruelling 24-hour challenge at one of North Yorkshire's most recognisable landmarks to raise money for children and families.
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show

The biggest vegetables in the region have been revealed at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, which opened today (Friday 18 September) at Newby Hall & Gardens near Ripon.
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment

A major waterpark in North Yorkshire is expected to be sold to a new owner after it was taken over by North Yorkshire Council.
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit

Council officials have acknowledged the growing disruption caused by roadworks in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life

Harrogate's former Old Market Hall has been brought back to life in a new collection by award-winning Yorkshire artist Claire Baxter.
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference

More than 70 healthcare professionals attended Martin House Children’s Hospice’s first dedicated children’s palliative care conference this week.