11th Murcia March Against Cancer, supported by Iberdrola España, brings together more than 5,500 people
- Iberdrola España’s involvement forms part of the collaboration agreement it has maintained with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) since 2015, aimed both at promoting cancer research and raising public awareness of cancer prevention and early diagnosis.
The city of Murcia witnessed another powerful demonstration of solidarity this morning as the 11th edition of the “Murcia March Against Cancer” took place, organised by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Murcia and sponsored by Iberdrola España. Nearly 5,500 people took part in this sporting and charitable event, setting a new attendance record across all categories and consolidating the event as the “March for Everyone Against Cancer”.
From early in the morning, the atmosphere was filled with solidarity and the excitement of thousands of people joining together to support cancer research with every step. All proceeds raised will go directly towards research projects led by researchers Mª José Menchón and Sofía de Oliveira, both from the Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), whose projects receive funding from the Spanish Association Against Cancer totalling €250,000.
The morning was packed with activities accompanying the four race categories. These included theatre performances for younger participants, science activities for all ages, recreational workshops, a sports area and a large healthy refreshment station, which helped participants recharge their batteries before enjoying a Zumba class. Following the presentation of prizes to the 5K and 10K winners, an automatic coffee machine and a sports watch were raffled among all participants.
The event was attended by various regional and local authorities, including Isabel Ayala, Regional Minister for Health of the Region of Murcia, who highlighted “the tremendous work carried out by the Association, which enables patients and their families to find information, guidance and support when they need it most”. She also stressed that the funds raised through this event, which brings together sport and health, “support cancer research at the IMIB Pascual Parrilla, in this case into leukaemia, myeloma and colorectal cancer. This represents another step forward in prevention, early diagnosis, research and treatments for these diseases”.
For her part, Rebeca Pérez, Mayor of Murcia, highlighted “the Association’s ability to mobilise people and the solidarity shown by the people of Murcia in supporting this cause”. Miguel Ángel Cerdán, Iberdrola España’s Institutional Delegate for the Region of Murcia, expressed his gratitude for “the opportunity provided by the Association for the company to continue sponsoring this highly emblematic charitable event”.
Eduardo González Martínez-Lacuesta, President of the Association in Murcia, said he was moved by “such an overwhelming show of solidarity, reflected in this green tide of hope, which demonstrates why this is the March for Everyone Against Cancer”. All participants became part of the great green tide of hope that swept through the streets of the Murcian capital, demonstrating the city’s commitment to the fight against this disease.
Iberdrola España: creating value for society once again
For the 11th consecutive year, Iberdrola España has been the main sponsor of the “Murcia March Against Cancer”. Its involvement forms part of the collaboration agreement it has maintained with the Spanish Association Against Cancer since 2015, aimed both at promoting cancer research and raising public awareness of cancer prevention and early diagnosis.
One of the most notable initiatives under the agreement is the “Together Against Cancer” programme, through which the company gives its customers the opportunity to support the Association by matching donations made through their electricity or gas bills. Thanks to this commitment, Iberdrola España has established itself as the Spanish Association Against Cancer’s leading private-sector partner.
Science and research
All proceeds from this event will go towards the two research projects led by Mª José Menchón and Sofía de Oliveira.
Mª José’s project aims to understand how the NLRP1 protein contributes to resistance to treatments for leukaemia and myeloma. Its findings could help identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for more effective and safer treatments for patients experiencing relapses or treatment resistance.
Meanwhile, Sofía de Oliveira’s project aims to develop laboratory models using patient samples that accurately replicate tumours, making it possible to predict responses to immunotherapy and optimise treatment combinations. This would help identify effective treatments, avoid ineffective therapies and advance towards personalised medicine for colorectal cancer.