ScottishPower is proud to be supporting World Cancer Day on 4th February 2021 – a day which unites people, communities and entire countries to raise awareness and take action for a cancer free future.
The World Cancer Day theme focuses on making a pledge: ‘I Am and I Will’. The pledge could be to raise awareness of cancer, make a positive personal lifestyle change, or to fundraise.
The idea is that through our positive actions, together we can help beat cancer sooner.
Below, Noel Pogson – IT Service Lead for ScottishPower in Glasgow – shares his experience of pledging to run 10k for Cancer Research UK, after embarking on a personal weight loss journey in 2019.

What inspired you to start running? “In February 2020, I saw ScottishPower’s #IAmAndIWill campaign for World Cancer Day, asking us to make a pledge. I decided that running a 10km was just about possible. On my first run on 20th February 2020, I barely managed to run more than 200 yards without needing to pause for breath. After a month of practice, I was able to run my first 5km without stopping!”
How did the pandemic impact your training? “My initial pledge was to take part in the 10km Great Scottish Run, but as the year went on, it was looking more and more likely that the event would be cancelled. I was determined to stick to my pledge, so I looked at virtual events taking place around the same time. That’s when I saw the 300-mile Great North Run – SOLO Challenge and decided to go for it! By 13th September, I had run the equivalent of 15.1 marathons and raised over £1,000!
That’s quite an achievement! What was your motivation? “My real motivation was Cancer Research UK. I thought that if I could raise a few more pounds to fund a little more research, and help to save a life, or bring a breakthrough a little bit closer, then it was a challenge worth running for.”
I’d encourage everyone to make a pledge this World Cancer Day and take positive action for their health.”
Take action and make your pledge