A Swindon local and his team of five fellow gym-goers have been raising funds for a vital children and young people's cancer charity by hiking Mount Snowdon.
On Friday 23 September, Dave Cox and his team pushed their fitness to the limit by carrying an 80kg assault bike on their shoulders to the top of Mount Snowdon - the highest mountain in Wales.
Once at the top, each member of the team completed a stint on the bike, before carrying it back down.
The five participants, who all attend Battleground Fitness in Swindon, completed this challenge in 6 hours and 45 minutes. Thus far, Dave has raised £2,400 to fund Yougn Lives vs Cancer, and its vital services supporting children, young people and families facing cancer, while his teammates have been fundraising in aid of Longfield Hospice, who provided support to one of their mothers.
Dave’s fundraising event was inspired by his colleague’s daughter, Amber, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at just six months old.
Ahead of the challenge, Dave said: “Young Lives vs Cancer provides unbelievable support to children like Amber and their families, and this is the charity I would like to raise some money for.
"The strength Amber has shown throughout her illness (not to mention that of her mum, dad and brother) has been nothing short of mesmeric, and compared to what this little girl has faced this should be a doddle.”
Following the challenge, Dave added: “It was a really tough challenge but it was an unbeatable feeling to complete this challenge as part of ‘Team Young Lives’. It made me proud to do my bit for this amazing charity because I’ve seen first-hand the real difference they make to young people with cancer and their families.
“I want to thank everyone sponsored me, thinking of their generosity and the difference the money will make really gave me that motivation to finish. Cancer really turns families’ lives upside down and I want Young Lives vs Cancer to be there to support everyone who needs it.”
Last year in Wiltshire, Young Lives vs Cancer helped 98 families affected by cancer. The charity gave out 77 financial grants to the value of £15,555, helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.
Georgia Langley, Fundraising Events & Engagement Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we help families to face everything it throws at them. We rely entirely on charitable donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Dave and his amazing team enough for their fantastic efforts.
“This incredible challenge that Dave has selflessly taken on will make a massive difference for young people with cancer by helping us ensure they are getting the right support they need.”
To sponsor Dave’s fundraising, and to see updates from the event, individuals can head to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Dave-Cox13.
For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work, people can go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
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