Trustees are walking over cancer this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Neuroblastoma UK’s Chair of Trustees, Tony Heddon and the Charity’s Secretary, Shirley Clark took part in the Thames Bridges Trek on Saturday 7th September, raising over £1,600 for neuroblastoma research.
Shirley, along with Tony and his family, were “#GoingGold for Joanna”, walking in memory of Shirley’s daughter who sadly passed away in 1995, aged eight, after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
Joanna at school
“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and it’s also the month we lost Joanna, so what better incentive to take on this challenge in her memory. ”
Shirley, Tony and his family (wife Karen and daughters Emily and Sophie) joined 2,000 walkers to trek 25km over 16 Thames Bridges. They were “#GoingGold for Joanna” as they trekked over the 16 bridges, includes the Golden Jubilee Bridge, to celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Shirley previously took part in the Thames Bridge Trek in 2016, for the 21st anniversary of Joanna’s death, raising over £2,000. Shirley also ran the Kew Gardens 10k as part of Richmond Runfest on Saturday 14 September, her first 10k in 37 years!
Shirley, aged 62, who joined the Board of Trustees at Neuroblastoma UK in 2006 says, “September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and it's also the month we lost Joanna, so what better incentive to take on this challenge in her memory.
Shirley completed the Thames Bridge Trek in 2016, the 21st anniversary of Joanna’s death.
“As a Trustee of Neuroblastoma UK, I was heartened that this year - due to the generosity of our supporters - we were able to allocate £1.177million into research projects looking for new and more effective treatments for this aggressive childhood cancer. For the next biennial grant round our aim is to double that amount. Only by funding leading research will progress be made in combating this disease and give hope to the families of children with neuroblastoma.”
Shirley’s review of the day
"The trek was such a formidable challenge and I was worried it would prove a bridge too far. But it was such a well run event and the 'you CAN do it' atmosphere, the good weather and of course our cause, ensured we made it!
“Trekking the 25k reminded me of the many walks we had enjoyed with Joanna - around the country and particularly in Kew Gardens. The 10k run was emotional as I was running past many of the places in the Gardens that Joanna loved and that hold special memories for me. I'm hugely grateful for everyone's support and for the wonderful donations to Neuroblastoma UK in Joanna's memory. "
To support Shirley, Tony and the team, please visit their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/forjj
Find out how you can take part in sporting events to raise money for Neuroblastoma UK