Running together for something bigger: the Research Team at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre take on the EMF Hairy Haggis

In May 2026, a team of 12 colleagues from across cancer services and research came together to take on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Hairy Haggis Relay Race – proving that extraordinary things can happen when people come together!

Covering 78.6 miles between them, the team raised an incredible £3,303.65 for the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, supporting people affected by cancer across south east Scotland and beyond.

But for this team, it was about more than the miles.

It was about showing up for each other, and for the patients and families supported by the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

From first steps to finish line

For many, the journey started long before race day.

Ben Winterton, Edinburgh Cancer Centre (ECC) Cancer Performance Manager, hadn’t considered himself a runner at all.

I had never done any running. I tentatively started the Couch to 5k, and not only found I (mostly!) really enjoy running, but realised I wanted to keep pushing myself after I hit my first 5k.”

When the opportunity came up to take part in the Hairy Haggis relay and run in aid of the Cancer Centre’s official charity, NHS Lothian Charity, Ben initially planned to run the 5K leg – but with encouragement from his teammates, he took on the 8.8K section instead.

A step outside his comfort zone, backed by the support of others.

And that’s what made the difference.

A shared motivation

Across the team, the reasons for taking part were personal.

I have lost people to cancer, and whilst I don’t work in a clinical capacity, I want to do what I can in my job and outside of it to improve the lives of those living with cancer and continue to work towards better outcomes for all those affected,” says Ben

By coming together as a team, colleagues from different roles and backgrounds carried each other forward, united by a shared purpose:

Training runs became catch-ups.

Race day became a team effort.

Every leg of the relay carried the same goal forward.

Stronger together

The Hairy Haggis relay is all about teamwork – each runner plays their part, passing the baton and cheering each other on along the way.

And that sense of community is what made the experience so special for the ECC team. One of the team members, Euan Pettigrew told us:

On the day, it was the support around us that really stayed with me – being cheered on by the team, and by the crowds – everyone playing a part. Then coming together at the finish line was amazing. And to know that together we’d raised such an incredible amount of money to support the Edinburgh Cancer Centre – I really can’t thank they people who sponsored us enough. Their [Your] support helps the Edinburgh Cancer Centre deliver compassionate, cutting-edge care to people across the region when they need it most.” — Euan Pettigrew, team member

Together, they didn’t just complete a race – they made it count!

Every mile run.

Every pound raised.

Every person who supported them.

Why it matters

The £3,303.65 raised is more than a figure – it’s the small things that bring comfort at a difficult time, and the big things that open the door to new possibilities:

It helps create spaces that feel calmer and less clinical.
It funds simple comforts – the kind that mean everything on difficult days.
It supports staff to develop ideas, build skills and drive forward new ways of improving care.
And it backs research that could change how cancer is treated in the future.

These are the things people remember.

Take it on together

You don’t have to be a runner to get started.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned runner, the Hairy Haggis relay is a chance to come together with friends or colleagues, support each other, and be part of something bigger.