Team Molly's fundraiser for Weston Park Hospital Development Fund

In January 2023, Molly Midgley-Hellend, was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare and often incurable form of cancer affecting 200,000 people globally. 

After a lump that formed on her eye in September of 2022, this started to affect her vision, Molly underwent surgery in December to have it removed and sent off for testing.

The doctors told her the only curative option would be to remove her eye, eyebrow, and cheekbone, but this surgery could not go forward when they discovered her cancer had already spread to her lungs.

Due to the rarity of this cancer, there’s a lack of funding meaning there’s also limited research. Therefore, long term outcomes for people living with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma tend to be poor.

Sadly, Molly passed away on 15^th February this year, aged just 27 and just one year after her initial diagnosis. Whilst undergoing harsh treatment she had the bravery and strength to use her story to raise awareness and fundraise over 60,000 for a small charity, Salivary Gland Cancer UK. In 2024 Molly started to repeat her fundraising efforts for Weston Park Hospital; the amazing team who cared for and provided her with treatment.  

That treatment allowed Molly to get married and even complete the Sheffield 10k last Autumn, along with a team of over 100 runners who ran alongside her in a sea of blue and purple SGCUK T Shirts.  

Team MOLLY, made up of Molly’s family and friends are determined to raise awareness and raise as much as possible in her legacy.

A group fifty runners, part of Team MOLLY will be running this weekend’s Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon in honour of Molly and to raise as much as they can for Weston Park Hospital Development Fund.

This Sunday’s half marathon is just one of many challenges the team aims to complete this year. Challenges include the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, Yorkshire Three Peaks, and Sheffield 10K to name just a few.

We caught up with David, Molly’s Dad ahead of Sunday’s half marathon, “We have promised Molly that we'll continue to raise funds in her memory to help others suffering from these cruel illnesses.

If you would like to join the other 150 members of Team Molly and be part of an amazing cause with plenty of fundraising to come, please get in touch: it would be greatly appreciated. We would be immensely grateful for your time.

We are also hugely grateful for any donations so please give what you can to help support our efforts and help support outcomes for people living with ACC.

Lastly, Molly we love you.”

Good luck team! We will be cheering you on at the finish line. To support Team Molly, please head to their Just Giving page here

The Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon is set to take place this weekend, on Sunday 7th April. Entries are still open. To find out more and sign up click here