Imperial runners take on marathon challenge to improve lives across the world

Two Imperial colleagues will run the London Marathon this month to support a life-saving Imperial initiative.

Liz Hollenberg and Jane Whitton, both Programme Managers in the College’s Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), are looking to raise £26,000 to help the initiative treat thousands of people afflicted with parasite-borne illnesses. Their funding will be matched up to £13,100 by an anonymous donor.

Schistosomiasis can be treated for as little as 30p 

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections – second only to malaria in terms of impact. It afflicts more than 250 million people worldwide, but persists almost exclusively in the world’s poorest communities, thriving in places with unsafe water, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic health care.  Ninety percent of the disease burden occurs in Africa.

It can cause severe pain and life-long disability, and left untreated can lead to the development of life-threatening conditions such as bladder cancer or liver damage.

Despite being an immense public health burden in affected nations, these illnesses can be prevented and eliminated through the administration of inexpensive or donated medicines. Treatment costs as little as 30 pence per person.

Improving lives

The SCI, which is based in Imperial’s School of Public Health, works to eliminate schistosomiasis and intestinal worms by supporting ministries of health in affected countries. They implement and monitor large-scale treatment programmes – distributing donated drugs to affected areas to reduce infection rates. To date, the SCI has facilitated delivery of over 140 million treatments to children and at-risk adults.

Liz Hollenberg

Marathon runners Liz and Jane focus on rolling out control programmes in several affected nations, including Malawi, Uganda, Zanzibar and Zambia.

Liz said: “I always thought I’d like to do a marathon someday, but I didn’t realise that day would come around so soon!”

“Up to now, the longest race I’ve ever run was 10k, so this is a massive step up for me. Just finishing will be a huge achievement. I’ve learnt a lot through training and have developed a lot of mental strength – I hope I’ll be able to continue to channel that even after the marathon is over.”

Jane Whitton

Due to run the 26.2 mile race on 23 April, Liz and Jane have been training both in London and in the field. Jane said: “Training in the field can be a challenge. Most of the time I’m based in Malawi and Uganda. The altitude and the heat can make it exhausting.

“Trying to find somewhere to run can also be difficult. Because it’s so dry, every time a vehicle drives past I get showered with dust- and the gyms don’t tend to have air conditioning! In London it’s much easier, we can nip out at lunchtime and train in Hyde Park.”

“It does take over your life a bit. But I’m really excited to get out of my comfort zone. And you see some amazing things when you’re running – it takes you to places you wouldn’t go usually.”

Liz added: “Knowing that the SCI’s work has such a huge impact on these communities is a huge motivator. The money we’re raising will improve the lives of thousands of people across Africa. I’m proud to be running for this cause.”