I’m Conor (“Dooza” to Phil) and on 2 Nov 2025, I'll be running 26.2 miles at the New York City Marathon to raise funds for Sarcoma UK, in memory of my best mate, Phil O’Keeffe - together with his family & close friends

ABOUT PHIL

Phil was just 28 when his life took an unimaginable turn. After living in New York and London, he'd just landed a dream job in Hong Kong. But the week before his big move in September 2020, he noticed unusual swelling in his leg. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of sarcoma—a rare cancer affecting bones and soft tissues.

Phil faced chemotherapy and treatment in London with a lot of courage, determination, and resilience. Even in the face of devastating news, he turned dark days into unforgettable moments, like transforming a quiet birthday (just one day after heartbreaking scan results) into a champagne-filled limo tour of London, culminating in all six of his closest school friends proudly tattooing his initials on our arms

Phil outlived his prognosis, battling bravely for 14 brutal months until we sadly lost him in January 2022. He was young, vibrant, and had so much life ahead. His strength & bravery inspired us, and his legacy drives us to help others affected by sarcoma.

That's why Phil’s family, close friends and I will run together—keeping his optimism, bravery, and hope alive with every step

WHY SARCOMA UK?

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers affecting muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and fatty tissues. Despite their rarity, around 15 people are diagnosed every day in the UK—and there are approximately 100 different types of sarcoma.

Sarcoma UK is the national charity funding critical research, providing essential family support, and advocating for better treatments and outcomes. Sarcoma UK provides direct practical support to families, helping cover essential costs they may otherwise struggle to afford. including:

- Transportation expenses for traveling to and from hospital appointments and treatments.

- Assistance with everyday essentials such as meals, groceries, and prescriptions.

- Guidance and support accessing welfare benefits, alleviating financial pressures during critical times.

Every penny makes a direct impact:

£5 buys 100 petri dishes to grow cancer cells for vital tests.

£10 covers 150 disposable pipette tips, crucial in lab research.

£15 funds 10 support-line calls for families facing a sarcoma crisis.

£20 pays for 200 text messages to Sarcoma UK's invaluable Support Line.

£30 covers 1 hour of microscope research, vital for new breakthroughs.

£40 enables over 30 phone calls to the Support Line, supporting families at their toughest moments.

£75 can run the Support Line for an entire week.

£100 processes and preserves 3 tumour samples, fueling critical discoveries.

Your donation doesn't just fund medical research—it provides immediate relief and practical help to families coping with sarcoma, especially those experiencing financial hardship.

Thank you for helping Phil’s remarkable spirit live on—and bringing hope to every family touched by sarcoma.

Phil, this one's for you, big man.