On 12 April, IS-Instruments team member Jessica Gabb will take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM). She’s raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support through her JustGiving page.
This isn’t just a run or part of a personal challenge. This is a cause that matters to her and to the ISI wider family.
Why the London Landmarks Half Marathon Matters
The London Landmarks Half Marathon is one of the UK’s most iconic charity events, taking runners through 13.1 miles of historic streets and famous landmarks. For Jess, however, this run is about far more than medals or finish times. She chose to support Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of her best friend’s father, who passed away from cancer eleven years ago.
“He was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. Watching what cancer does to families stays with you. According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. That means every one of us will be affected by cancer in some way. It could be a family member or a friend. Statistically, it’s you or me.
The impact of a cancer diagnosis goes far beyond physical health. There’s the mental strain and the financial pressure. There are the practical worries of everyday life – shopping, school runs, and appointments. The list goes on.
If I can run 13 miles and raise funds that make even a small difference to someone going through that, it’s worth every step.” ~ Jessica
Today, the cause feels painfully relevant once again.
Within the ISI family, our co-director, Dr Jon Storey and his wife, Gina, are navigating Gina’s cancer diagnosis. Witnessing the strength required and the impact on loved ones reinforces why organisations like Macmillan are so vital. Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, emotional and financial help to people living with cancer. From specialist nurses to workplace advice and family support, their work reaches far beyond treatment alone.
This is Jess’s motivation for the LLHM on the 12th of April.
From Personal Transformation to Half-Marathon Runner
Jess’s running journey began in January 2024 as part of her own health journey. Over the past two years, she has lost an extraordinary 8½ stone, transforming her fitness, resilience and confidence. Since then, she has added endurance challenges to her fundraising repertoire as a way of giving back. In addition to the LLHM, last year she completed a 10k for Cancer Research UK. During her employment with Amentum, she chopped her long hair into a short bob style to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust.
A Strong Culture of Charity Fundraising at ISI
Jessica’s half-marathon effort is part of a wider culture of charitable commitment and community support within the ISI team.
In April 2024, Dissemination Officer Sarah took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon and raised £900 for the RSPCA.
In November 2024, Mike set himself a Swimathon target of 10,000 metres in a month, and went on to complete an extraordinary 30,000 metres for Cancer Research UK.
Beyond fundraising events, team members regularly give their time and expertise to causes that matter:
Yang has supported The Dogs Trust by helping to set up and host fundraising events, and has taken part in outreach programmes teaching children about heart health – how the heart works, and how to look after it.
Marion has volunteered her time to tutor high-performing young athletes whose intensive training schedules can affect their academic progress. She has also delivered lessons in maths, science and astronomy to primary school pupils.
Team members have supported London Air Ambulance through the West Wickham Rotary Club Marathon Swimathon, participated in several years of the Battersea Muddy Dog Challenges, and helped raise funds at Greyfest, an annual sighthound festival in Kent.
Charles Warren is a regular participant in Movember, raising awareness for men’s health initiatives.
Whether through physical endurance challenges, educational outreach, or volunteering expertise, giving back is something we take seriously.
Support Jessica’s London Landmarks Half Marathon Fundraising
If you would like to help turn 13.1 miles into meaningful support for families facing cancer, you can donate to Jessica’s London Landmarks Half Marathon fundraising here: JustGiving.
