On November 27th I will be running a half marathon for Grace Gaskell. I knew Grace in St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School where she was my younger pairing in the school buddy system. She was always so happy and bubbly, always beaming and bringing a smile to everyone around her. She is a part of my fond memories from my childhood and from then on, she has proven to be one of the strongest and most inspiring people I have known. 

On July 24th 2018, Grace was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour at the age of 12. She had an incredible yet difficult journey, tackling cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with great strength. Throughout her journey with cancer, she remained stoic and bright, rising above her difficulties. She was very proactive: helping out in church, volunteering at her primary school, donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust to help other children with cancer, amongst a few things to mention. Her kind heart put everyone else before herself and for this she won an award as a local Hero, Child of Courage. 

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supports young cancer sufferers between ages 8-24, after their treatment has ended. Cancer treatment can cause hair loss, change in body appearance, loneliness, as well as loss of education. The Trust provides an amazing environment of support for young people with cancer, promoting a community of love and positivity after the struggles of cancer treatment. They organise sailing excursions and outdoor activities to help support post-treatment physical, emotional, and social development, helping them and families to reconnect and re-establish confidence out in the wider world. They provide this safe space to rebuild this lost confidence and support improving mental and physical health though their amazing work.

Grace went on two of these sailing excursions organised by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust with her family.  Her own words on her experience:

“I was nominated on Kamrans Ward at John Radcliffe Hospital to go on a sailing trip to the Isle of Wight in August and absolutely loved it. It was the first time I got to talk to other kids with cancer…”

“…the trust took me sailing and helped me meet kids like me and I had an amazing time away”

This charity made an incredible impact on Grace’s life. She took her first sailing trip in 2019, where she loved meeting other young people she could relate to. Six weeks after her second trip in September 2020, Grace sadly passed away on the 2nd of November.

I am running to support Amazing Grace and her family during this difficult month for them, November. I want to thank the Gaskell family for their support and help in choosing the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

I am so excited and humbled to support the Trust that has had such a positive impact on Grace’s journey.