Nearly 300 people from across the construction industry walked a half marathon through London on Saturday night, raising over £125,000 for Cancer Research UK in the first fundraising event for Construction Beats Cancer, a new partnership the charity is developing with the built environment sector.

Teams were led by Construction Beats Cancer board members, helping to build curiosity and excitement of what’s to come. Walkers from the breadth of Construction set off at 9.20pm on 19 September as part of Cancer Research UK’s Shine Night Walk, covering 13.1 miles through the capital - much of it in rain.

There is a heightened risk of cancer in people who work in construction. This is for a range of reasons including exposure to occupational risk factors and the characteristics of the workforce. Construction Beats Cancer is the charity and sector’s response. Shaped with leaders from across the industry, the mission aims to improve awareness of cancer causes and symptoms, change working practices and behaviours to reduce cancer risk and raise significant funds to support life-saving research. It will launch formally in early 2027.

Heather Bryant, Chair of the Construction Beats Cancer Strategic Board said “I am so proud of our construction industry, of all those taking part and of all those friends, family and colleagues who sponsored us - thank you. This is only the start, together we can help to beat cancer”.

Willmott Dixon chief executive officer Graham Dundas is among the industry leaders sitting on the board helping Cancer Research UK shape the mission of Construction Beats Cancer.

Graham Dundas said: “It was inspiring to come together with our industry peers for such an amazing cause. Cancer touches many of us who work in construction, and Saturday showed what happens when the industry decides to tackle something together. Construction Beats Cancer is about more than fundraising; it’s about getting people checked earlier and changing the habits that put people in our sector at risk. This walk was the first step, and we want every firm in the industry to be part of what comes next.”

Simon Ledsham, Director of Relationship Management at Cancer Research UK, said: “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took on the Shine Night Walk Half Marathon. Crossing that finish line is a remarkable achievement, and all our participants’ determination is nothing short of inspiring. Because our life-saving research is funded entirely by the public, our work simply isn't possible without our supporters. Every single pound raised powers critical breakthroughs and brings us one step closer to beating cancer.

To everyone from Construction Beats Cancer and across the construction industry - thank you. Your support is actively driving our vision forward building a world where everyone lives longer, better lives, entirely free from the fear of cancer.”

For many walkers, the night was personal. Sara Saeedi, Strategy Manager, BAM said: “Walking 13.1 miles through London at night was challenging, but every step felt incredibly meaningful.  I did this for my younger self who had to face a difficult journey at an early age. For the family members and people close to me whose lives have been touched by cancer and for everyone who is currently fighting, recovering, supporting someone they love, or hoping for a future where fewer lives are lost to this disease”.

Photographs and film from the walk will form part of the material for Construction Beats Cancer’s formal launch in the New Year. Organisations interested in getting involved can find out more at Construction Beats Cancer.