Lori is running the Robin Hood Half Marathon for cancer research at NTU
After overcoming injury setbacks, NTU Psychology Senior Lecturer Dr Lori Button is preparing to take on the Robin Hood Half Marathon this September for a good cause. Determined to cross the finish line, Lori is fundraising for the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre on Clifton Campus and hopes her journey will inspire others to take on challenges at their own pace.
Published on 30 April 2026
Categories: Fundraising; John van Geest Cancer Research Centre; Research;
After a bumpy path back to running, NTU’s Dr Lori Button is preparing for the Robin Hood Half Marathon in September, raising funds for the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre based on Clifton Campus. Lori is a senior lecturer in Psychology and her journey to the start line has been one of determination and resilience.
Lori has always been a sporty person, even competing as a member of the Welsh fencing team, and previously ran the Reading Half Marathon. During the Covid period, she set out to return to running, but a torn ligament in her right knee brought training to an abrupt halt.
After joining NTU in 2024, Lori felt motivated again and signed up to run the 2025 Robin Hood Half Marathon, fundraising for the JvG team's vital research into innovative diagnoses and treatments for cancer.
"It sounded like an exciting event, and I was able to run for an amazing cause (The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre), whilst representing NTU!"
Unfortunately, a sprained ankle during training meant she had to withdraw from the race. Undeterred, Lori remained a key part of the event, volunteering at the VIP tent to fuel runners with tea and coffee, and cheering them on as they ran, walked and hobbled towards the finish line.
This year, however, Lori is determined to be crossing that finish line herself.
"This is my year! I am signed back-up and I am motivated to raising needed funds to support The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre."
Lori has already got the ball rolling, raising over £100 so far to support the Centre’s vital research into innovative cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Aware of the risk of injury setbacks, she has taken proactive steps to prepare. Lori has completed a full GP health check, joined the NTU gym at Clifton, and is approaching both her training and fundraising with patience.
"I think the key is to start fundraising and training well in advance. It is also important for me to remember to build up the muscles and cardio and avoid pushing too hard too soon - or else I will be behind the tea and coffee table again."
With her 2026 mantra “Slow and steady will finish the race” firmly in mind, Lori hopes her story will inspire others to take on challenges at their own pace.
"To be honest, my only goal is to be able to finish the race. I'm not too proud to even crawl over the finish line if needs be. I know that I am getting old, but I refuse to let old get me!"
To read more about Lori’s journey and support her half marathon fundraiser for cancer research, visit her JustGiving page and join us in cheering her on.