Andy Munns
Rachel and Stuart Fay from West Grimstead, Salisbury, and seventeen other family friends joined together as a team, “Gems Shining Lights,” to take part in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge last weekend.
All were walking the 25km challenge in memory of Gemma Fay and raised almost £8,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer (formally CLIC Sargent), a charity that supported Gemma and her family.
Gemma Fay was well-loved in Salisbury and was Head Girl at the Trafalgar School at Downton.
She was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer (Synovial Sarcoma) in her hip in September 2020.
Gemma’s treatment included intense Chemotherapy as an inpatient, Radiotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the tumour and receive a hip replacement.
Gemma participated in an Immunotherapy clinical trial at the Royal Marsden, followed by further, more gentle chemo.
Gemma sadly passed away on 30th July 2023, a few days after her 25th Birthday.
In May 2023, Dad Stuart took on the 100km Jurassic Coast Ultra challenge, following his great success in 2022, completing the 58km Jurassic Coast Ultra challenge.
In 2023, Mum, Rachel and Gemma followed and supported Stuart while he was trekking the Jurassic Coast.
Dad, Stuart said: “This year, the challenge was an incredible achievement by all who took part. We are pleased we can do our bit and give something back. Gemma was looking down on us and cheering us on.”
“The reason we are supporting Young Lives vs Cancer as this was one of Gemma’s chosen charities. We were able to stay in one of their “Homes from Home” their social workers have provided crucial support, advice and guidance on important aspects. We really appreciate Young Lives vs Cancer for making life a little easier.”
Mum, Rachel said: “Gemma truly lived life to the full when she was able to and loved the outdoors and being by the sea, so this seemed a good challenge to take on. I was pleased to wear Gemma’s walking boots on the challenge, which felt incredible.
“We are so thankful to Gemma for being such an inspiration to us all and for the many hearts and lives she touched with her warm, positive approach to life and her beautiful smile.
“A big thank you to all our team members (Mel, Jemima, Freya, Sophie, Sarah, Laura, Suzanne, Fi, Andrea, Hattie, Liz, Helen, Rob, Chris, Jane, Delia and Keith) for making the Jurassic Coast Challenge such a special day in memory of Gemma. Gemma would be so proud of us and for raising so much money for Young Lives vs Cancer. Gemma’s Light was shining bright!”
Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer said: “I was very sorry to hear when Gemma passed away last year. Rachel and Stuart are so kind and thoughtful in raising funds to help others. It was so wonderful to hear Rachel’s idea of giving each team member a shell from Gemma’s collection to place wherever they would like along the walk and gave them one to keep to take home as a keepsake. All the team had a star printed with a photo of Gemma.
“It really means a lot to us at Young Lives vs Cancer to have had the team raise funds to help young cancer patients and their families. It helps ensure that others can continue to be supported by our social workers, be given grants and able to stay in our “Homes from Home.” A huge thank you to Rachel, Stuart and the whole team for their amazing support in Gemma’s name.”
If you would like to make a donation to the team page, you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/gemmafay-ylvsc2024.
If you would like to raise funds or volunteer for Young Lives vs Cancer, please go to their website to learn more. www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
