In January this year, we shared the news that our Director of People & Culture, Jane, was marking her 50th birthday in a unique way – through a ‘Festival of 50‘. Instead of a party or celebration, Jane set herself a series of 50 challenges, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for Heartburn Cancer UK, a cause close to her heart.

Months on, Jane has now completed her Festival of 50. What began as an ambitious plan has turned into an inspiring journey that has touched colleagues, family, friends and supporters across our industry.

The Challenges

From physical feats and personal milestones to creative and community-based goals, Jane’s 50 challenges reflected determination, courage and generosity. Each challenge was a way of raising both awareness and vital funds for Heartburn Cancer UK, helping to support early diagnosis, research and education.

Jane defeated five main events her fundraising festival, including

• The Grizzly – 9th March 2025
• Brighton Marathon – 7th April 2025
• Man v Horse – 14th June 2025
• Spitfire Scramble – 5th-6th July 2025
• Beachy Head Marathon  – 26th October 2025

Her programme included activities that tested resilience and commitment, alongside events that brought people together. By sharing updates across the year, Jane ensured the campaign reached far beyond DOC Cleaning, inspiring others to get involved and learn more about the charity’s work.

The Fundraising Impact

Through her Festival of 50, Jane has raised a total of £1,320 for Heartburn Cancer UK. These contributions will go directly towards supporting the charity’s work to improve awareness, support those affected and advance research into early detection and prevention.

Equally important is the awareness generated. By linking her personal milestone to the campaign, Jane has helped bring the charity’s mission to new audiences, encouraging more people to recognise the signs, seek help early and share vital information with their communities.

A Reflection From Jane

It seems a long time ago since I came up with the idea of my Fundraising Festival of 50.  The original plan was to complete a series of 5 endurance events to raise awareness of the early signs of Oesophageal Cancer and to raise money to support Heartburn Cancer UK.

Starting in March with the aptly name ‘Grizzly’ 20-mile multi-terrain race and culminating with the Beachy Head Marathon, over the course of the challenge I have completed the Brighton Marathon, raced against horses at Man v Horse and competed in the 24-hour endurance Spitfire Scramble race. In total, throughout the duration of the challenge, I have completed 152 runs, spent 138 hours running, ran more than 1,100km and an elevation gain of 14,438 metres (equivalent to more than 4x the elevation gain from the base camp to summit of Mount Everest). I set myself an initial goal of raising £1000. The total amount raised currently stands at £1,320.

Alongside the physical challenge, a highlight of the challenge was being invited to talk about my personal experience of oesophageal cancer and my fundraising and awareness campaign for HCUK at the Barrett’s Oesophagus Education Day held by the Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Trials Unit at Queen Mary University of London.

The challenge doesn’t end here, don’t ignore persistent heartburn, early diagnosis saves lives.

An Incredible Achievement

Jane’s Festival of 50 has been about more than individual challenges. It has shown the strength of community and the difference that can be made when people rally behind a cause. All of us at DOC Cleaning are immensely proud of her achievements and inspired by the passion and dedication she has shown throughout the year.

There is still time to donate to this incredible cause. If you’re yet to donate and would like to show your support for Jane’s mission, visit her JustGiving page.

Get in Touch

If you would like to learn more about the work of Heartburn Cancer UK or support their mission, please visit their website to find out how you can make a difference.

We are proud to stand behind initiatives that support our people and the causes that matter most to them.