Philip Holdcroft
Rowing for Starlight
Fundraising for Starlight UK
Story
In the summer of 2014, Phil’s daughter, Isla, was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just 22 months old.
“Watching your own flesh and blood walk the tightrope of life and death is more harrowing than anything I’ve experienced on the battlefields of Iraq or Afghanistan.”
"During our darkest hour, it was the support of amazing family, friends, and wonderful charities like Starlight, that gave us the resilience and hope to conquer the seemingly impossible."
"As a father, I felt completely out of control; powerless to help when my youngest daughter needed me most. Raising money and awareness for charities through endurance challenges provided an opportunity for me to do something useful, and a means for me to connect with Isla, and try and understand the pain, suffering and uncertainty she was facing"
Isla is now a thriving beautiful, healthy and happy eight year old. In 2021 she will be considered cured, after five years in remission. The team will be marking this magical milestone with this epic rowing adventure, raising money for the incredible Starlight charity, which grants wishes for little heroes like Isla.
“At the end of Isla’s gruelling treatment for Leukaemia, Starlight granted Isla’s wish; a wish that would see her meet Santa Claus… in Lapland! After 2 Christmases spent in hospital, words cannot describe the sheer joy of spending unadulterated precious family moments in a magical place. The absolute privilege and memories will live with us forever.”