Crowdfunding for cancer research

09/15/2026

Amateur triathlete Niklas Karl has raised 6,880 euros for cancer research at the University Hospital through a fundraising campaign – an initiative in memory of a close friend.

At the donation handover at Würzburg University Hospital (from left): triathlete Niklas Karl with Gabriele Nelkenstock and Hermann Einsele, both from the ‘Forschung hilft’ foundation. (Image: Samantha Baumeister / Universitätsklinikum Würzburg)

A 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycle and, to finish, a 42.2-kilometre marathon: the Datev Challenge in Roth, Middle Franconia, is one of the world’s best-known triathlon events. It was there, on 5 July 2026, that Niklas Karl also took on this sporting challenge. Born in 1998, the amateur triathlete hails from the Würzburg district, now lives in Augsburg and trains there with TG Viktoria. He crossed the finish line after just under eleven hours – and in doing so, he achieved much more than just a sporting feat.

In memory of a close friend

Niklas Karl had linked his participation to a personal mission. The loss of a close friend, who had been suffering from cancer, had a profound effect on him. His friend was enthusiastic about the work of ‘Forschung hilft’, the foundation for the promotion of cancer research at Würzburg University Hospital (UKW). It was her wish that, following her death, money should be donated to the foundation instead of floral tributes for her grave.

That is why Niklas Karl decided to dedicate his participation in the Roth Challenge to this good cause as well. “It was important to me to link the sporting challenge to something that goes beyond my own performance and meant a great deal to my late friend,” he says.

He also drew attention to his cause visually during the Challenge: alongside the logos of his club and his sponsor Selgros, the ‘Forschung hilft’ logo was also visible on his competition kit.

Just under 7,000 euros via crowdfunding

Niklas Karl launched a crowdfunding appeal for donations to support cancer research at the UKW. He publicised his charity campaign primarily through his contacts on WhatsApp and Instagram. The vast majority of donors came from his immediate circle. In this way, 6,880 euros were raised.

On 7 September 2026, the triathlete presented the donation at the UKW to Gabriele Nelkenstock, Chair of the Board of Trustees of ‘Forschung hilft’, and Professor Hermann Einsele, a member of the Board of Trustees.

Statements from the foundation

“This campaign touches us deeply because it combines personal remembrance, exceptional sporting dedication and support for cancer research,” says Gabriele Nelkenstock. “The fact that Niklas Karl was able to rally so many people to support the fundraising campaign shows just how much we can achieve together.”

Hermann Einsele, Director of Medical Clinic II at the UKW and an internationally renowned cancer expert, also thanked the triathlete and all the supporters: “Advances in cancer medicine rely heavily on intensive research. Donations like these help to advance promising scientific ideas and, in the long term, develop new treatment options for our patients.”