Inhealthcare has a special connection to Frank’s Fund through our former colleague Louise, Frank’s mother. Frank was a vibrant 14-year-old from our home town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire who loved sport and life before being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age 11. Despite his incredible courage, Frank passed away in 2019. Frank’s Fund raises crucial funding for bone cancer research, a disease that receives just 0.027 per cent of major UK cancer charity funding.
We spoke to product specialist Andrew Foster about his remarkable fundraising journey that saw him complete three ultra-marathons for Médecins Sans Frontières and the London Marathon for Frank’s Fund.
What drew you to support Frank’s Fund?
I met Louise on my first day at Inhealthcare. Frank’s Fund has always been close to our company’s heart and I quickly learned about Frank’s story. I proudly arranged two fundraising events – the Yorkshire Three Peaks and a Tour de France-themed cycling challenge – that raised thousands for Frank’s Fund. When the opportunity came up to run the London Marathon for the campaign, it felt like a natural fit.
Tell us about your physical challenges.
It started after a serious knee injury in 2018 at the age of 23. As a lifelong football obsessive who until the injury was playing five-a-side three times a week, I set myself the goal that I would one day play football again. Through rehabilitation and working with a running coach, I discovered I could push myself further than I ever imagined. In 2024, I completed three ultra-marathons for Médecins Sans Frontières – 50km runs from coastline to mountain summit on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. Then this April, I tackled the London Marathon for Frank’s Fund.
How did you train for such demanding events?
Marathon versus ultra-marathon training posed different challenges. For the ultras I had to develop the physical endurance and mental resilience to keep going for many hours over huge distances. The marathon training was much more intense, pushing my fitness and body to the limit while constantly managing injuries and fatigue. Both training regimes involved two runs per week with gym work, and a “less is more” philosophy championed by my running coach.
What was most rewarding?
Beyond the personal achievement, it was the incredible views – watching sunrise from mountain peaks, running across Tower Bridge. The support from colleagues was amazing and our developer and good friend Tom even came to cheer me on! Most importantly, I raised more than £3,000 for Frank’s Fund, knowing that money will go toward research that could help other young people diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.
How does this align with Inhealthcare’s mission?
It’s about helping people achieve their health goals and doing things they might not have considered possible. Just like our digital health platform adapts to different patient needs, I’ve learned to adapt my training and approach.
What advice would you give others?
Anyone can do it – I saw people in their 70s completing these challenges. Give yourself more time to prepare than you think, find a cause you truly care about, and just keep pushing.
* To support Frank’s Fund, visit specialfunds.bcrt.org.uk/franks-fund/