Jurassic Coast Challenge 100km walked to raise funds to help young cancer patients

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 01:00

Stuart Fay, 53, from Salisbury, signed up for the strenuous 100km Jurassic Coast ultra-challenge on 13 – 14 May 2023 and raised over £3,000 for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer.

Stuart said: “Having completed the “half” challenge last year of 58km, I felt I had unfinished business which is why I took on the full 100km challenge this year. It took 28 hours and 21 minutes, including about 5 ½ hours rest time. I am so chuffed to achieve this and raise such a large sum for Young Lives vs Cancer (formally CLIC Sargent).”

Last year, Stuart raised a huge amount of £2,747, and this year has raised over £3,000 already to support children and young people with cancer.

In September 2020, Stuart and Rachel’s daughter Gemma was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer - synovial sarcoma in her hip at age 22.

Stuart said: “Sarcomas are a rare form of cancer that receive very little attention and often go undetected in young adults, Throughout Gemma’s treatment which has included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and blood transfusions, she has remained so positive and courageous and really inspired me to take on these challenges.

Young Lives vs Cancer has been an extremely supportive charity to us as a family. Gemma and I were able to stay in one of their 'Home from Homes' in Oxford prior to and during her surgery which saved a huge amount of travelling time.

Their social workers provide crucial support, advice and guidance on important aspects including work and finances. The work the team do is amazing and we will always be grateful. I really hope that the funds raised will help other families who go through this life changing experience.”

Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer said:“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be in touch with Stuart for both his fundraising challenges and what a wonderful achievement to complete the 100km Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge.

Now, Stuart has raised almost £6,000 which is the equivalent of paying for 5 families to stay over a month each at one of our “Homes from Home”.

Young cancer patients from Wiltshire may need treatment in specialist hospitals such as Bristol, Southampton, Oxford or London.

We have homes close by to these hospitals where families can stay free of charge for as long as they need to so they can remain close together. Sending Gemma and all the family our very best wishes and a massive thank you to her fantastic Dad for his brilliant fundraising.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart-Fay2023