Billy Boyle, founder and CEO of Owlstone Medical, is turning endurance into action and inviting others to join him and his sons, Isaac and Oscar, on 20 June in a cancer charity challenge that will see them run four marathons in 24 hours.
The family team is raising funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of their wife and mother, Kate, who passed away in 2014 after a battle with late-stage colon cancer. “We want to do something meaningful in her memory, while supporting the incredible work CRUK does to diagnose cancer earlier and save lives,” says Billy.
This extraordinary challenge will take the trio through 104 miles in a single day in a test of endurance, determination, and family teamwork.
But Billy is keen to stress that this is not just about them: he is encouraging others to take on their own “furthest” challenge, whatever that may be. He explains: “I don’t want this to be a solo mission. I’d love others to take on their own version of ‘furthest’. This could be your first 10K, a half marathon, a marathon, a long cycle, or even a swim at Jesus Green lido . Pick something that scares you (even a little) and let’s raise money for life-saving cancer research together.”
Billy founded Owlstone Medical, a Park-based company pioneering breath biopsy technology to help detect diseases, including cancer, earlier and more accurately. Since its founding, Owlstone has raised over $150 million in funding, including a $27 million Series E round in 2025, advancing the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools.
If you’d like to join Billy and his sons please contact the Cambridge Science Park team and we will put you in touch.
Donations also welcome.