A cancer diagnosis is life-altering. For Marianne Butler, receiving this news in 2013 set in motion not just a journey of personal resilience, but the birth of one of the UK’s most inspiring charity movements: Le Cure. What began as a challenge between friends and family has now raised millions for pioneering cancer research at The Royal Marsden Hospital – and is changing the future of cancer care. Le Cure 2025 marked the 12th edition of the annual charity cycling event in the French Alps.
Le Cure: A Journey Born in the Mountains
Marianne, a barrister with no family history of cancer, discovered she had a large, aggressive breast tumour at a time when she considered herself fit and healthy. Under the expert care of Professor Ian Smith at The Royal Marsden, she was one of the very first patients to receive a revolutionary combination of the drugs herceptin and pertuzumab for a newly diagnosed breast cancer. These drugs eradicated Marianne’s cancer. Just half a year after diagnosis, Marianne was given the all-clear. Her astonishment and gratitude would soon spark a movement.
One evening, surrounded by friends, family, and bucket loads of wine, the seed for Le Cure was planted: a formidable four-day cycling challenge over the French Alps, up some of the Tour de France’s most punishing climbs. The symbolism was clear – these mountain ascents echo the fight faced by every cancer patient, with each pedal stroke representing determination, solidarity, and hope.
Day one. The 2025 Curistas gathered in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne prior to setting off.
Turning Passion Into Progress
From the first event, Le Cure captured hearts. Riders – many of whom were novices, threw themselves into training and fundraising. The challenge became an annual fixture, steadily growing in numbers and ambition. To date, riders, affectionately known as ‘Curistas’, and supporters, have raised more than £3.5 million – every penny supporting fellowships, transformative clinical trials and the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment.
Curistas climbing Lacets De Montvernier .
Having lost family and friends to cancer, I was determined to take part in the ride this year. However, an ill-fated training session in Battersea Park – featuring a small white dog off its lead and a slippery pile of wet leaves – left me with an impressive scar on my knee and a chipped elbow. When co-founder Tony Butler, called to ask if I could join the support and logistics team instead, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know what I was letting myself in for.
Le Cure’s success depends not only on those in the saddle, but also the dedicated people behind the scenes who provide their time and resources. Supporting 62 riders up and down the French Alps is akin to herding 62 cats through a four-day SAS assault course. At our first logistics meeting, Tiffany Farish – organiser extraordinaire – casually warned that chaos was to ensue. She wasn’t wrong. Fortunately, I was paired with Dan Barnett, who supplied support vehicles with his company www.whiterides.co.uk, and crucially, spoke French. As we skidded onto median strips, hard shoulders and roundabouts, leaping out to spray paint bright pink arrows along the course, Dan could reassure disgruntled locals that we weren’t graffiti artists.
Pioneering Liquid Biopsy: The Next Frontier
One of the most exciting breakthroughs funded by Le Cure is the development of liquid biopsy technology at The Royal Marsden, spearheaded by Professor Nicholas Turner, who also rode his 4th Le Cure this year. Traditional detection relies on tissue biopsies, but a liquid biopsy involves analysing cancer DNA in a patient’s blood. This non-invasive test can catch the return of breast cancer nearly a year before scans or symptoms show – redefining what early detection means.
Professors Nicholas Turner and Ian Smith.
On the penultimate day of Le Cure, Professor Ian Smith – adoringly known as ‘The Prof’ made a surprise appearance to deliver an inspiring speech alongside liquid biopsy innovator Professor Nicholas Turner, dubbed ‘The Prof 2.0’. Both emphasised the profound, life-changing impact of the event. Having cycled with Le Cure for eleven consecutive years, this marked The Prof’s 12th year. Remarkably, he returned just three weeks after hernia surgery, and not only did he speak, but he rode alongside the Curistas for a short distance the following day. His unwavering support and determination inspired everyone and highlighted the extraordinary dedication behind Le Cure’s mission. “Le Cure is not just a physically exhausting cycle ride,” he explained, “it’s a powerful movementchanging lives by raising funds that directly support pioneering breast cancer research at the Royal Marsden.”
A Charity with Lasting Impact
Le Cure’s distinctive appeal lies in its blend of personal testament, athletic challenge, and scientific ambition, uniting cancer survivors, their families, health professionals and supporters in an annual (and often brutally challenging) Alpine odyssey. Every ride funds a future in which cancer is caught earlier and treated smarter. For me, witnessing the dedication, resilience and camaraderie was truly inspirational.
If there are any cyclists out there who would like to join the 2026 Le Cure ride, or donate to support the cause please click HERE.
Author: Shelley Campbell
Lead image: Col du Galibier, often the highest point in the Tour de France. © Zairon.
All other images © Darren Turner.
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