Sometimes, the biggest ideas start with something incredibly small, even 30 skips.

In October 2023, Mandy Shaw signed up for a Cancer Research UK challenge: complete 100 skips a day for a month. It sounded simple enough. After all, skipping was something many of us remember from school playgrounds.

But day one proved otherwise. Mandy managed around 30 jumps before needing a ten-minute recovery break! Rather than giving up, she kept going, one day at a time, determined to improve.

On 13 October 2023, the third anniversary of her Mum’s passing, Mandy completed her first 100 skips non-stop. It was a powerful moment of pride, love and reflection, turning a personal challenge into a meaningful tribute.

By the end of the month, Mandy had fallen in love with skipping, become fitter and stronger, improved her stamina, and raised more than £300 for Cancer Research UK.

But the skipping didn’t stop there.

After more fundraising quizzes and two further skipping challenges, Mandy had raised more than £1,000. Then came a question: Could there be a Guinness World Record for skipping?

There were, in fact, several.

That sparked an even bigger idea: bring together people from across the country who had already skipped for Cancer Research UK and attempt something extraordinary together.

Cancer Research UK supported the idea, with one important condition: it had to be supporter-led and completely self-funded.

And that was the moment Rope4Hope began.

This wasn’t simply another fitness challenge. It wasn’t just one person’s fundraising journey.

It was the beginning of a movement, bringing people together through a simple rope, a shared purpose and the hope of making a difference.


Be Part of the Next Chapter

The story is now coming to life with a special Rope4Hope event on 12 September at 12 noon.

For those who can be there in person, the event will take place at:

Harris Academy St John’s Wood
NW8 0NL, London

But you don’t have to be in London to be part of it.

The event will also be available online, meaning people from anywhere in the world can pick up their rope, join in and become part of this growing movement.

Whether you are an experienced skipper or someone who, like Mandy on day one, can only manage a few jumps, there is a place for you.

Because Rope4Hope is about more than how many skips you can do.

It’s about coming together, taking on a challenge and turning a simple movement into hope for people affected by cancer.

Our Nation. Your Rope. Their Hope.

More info at: Rope4Hope’s Website