FINALIST
Hughie & Freddie
Raised +£10,000 on JustGiving for Manchester Trust Foundation Charity
Best friends Hughie and Freddie ran 100km together around 100 iconic football pitches after Hughie was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Hughie and Freddie’s story
In 2020, in the middle of the Covid lockdown, 10-year-old Hughie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. But his best friend, 9-year-old Freddie, couldn’t let Hughie go through it alone.
Freddie stepped up to raise money for RMCH – the hospital treating Hughie, by running 2km every day for 50 days, finishing on Christmas Day morning.
But that was just the start. The 2020 challenge inspired both to do a new fundraising challenge to help even more children receiving cancer treatment.
When Hughie was diagnosed with leukaemia, I was really sad and wanted to do something to help take his mind off the treatment. So I decided to do a junior park run for 50 days and finish on Christmas Day to raise money for his hospital. It was tough doing it after school and after football training in the dark and rain, but I knew what Hughie was going through was tougher.
- Freddie
Hughie and Freddie started their new challenge in 2021, while Hughie was still having treatment. He had 3 1/2 years of chemotherapy which included daily tablets, monthly IV chemo and a lumbar puncture every three months and he smiled and entertained the staff on ward 84 all the way through.
He rang the end of treatment bell at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital at the end of January this year and is continuing the fundraising challenge with Freddie. The boys’ fundraising challenge is to run 100km around the 92 football pitches in the Premier League and EFL, alongside 8 other iconic stadiums.
The pair have gone on to raise more than £350k for children’s hospitals all over the UK, to help children fighting cancer like Hughie was. So far, they have completed 32 km around 32 grounds and will continue the challenge next season. Keep an eye out for them at a football club near you!
More about Hughie & Freddie
PERSONAL CONNECTION
The pair had a personal connection and deep drive to raise money for RMCH, the hospital treating Hughie.
RELENTLESS RUNNING
Hughie and Freddie accomplished their amazing goal of running 100km together around football pitches.
INSPIRING OTHERS
Freddie’s dedication sets an example and demonstrates the impact of care, compassion, and patience.
MOTIVATED BY FRIENDSHIP
Freddie was motivated by Hughie’s strength, with the pair going on to further support other children going through the same hardship.
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FINALIST
Lloyd Martin
Raised +£18,000 on JustGiving for Special Olympics Britain and Stepping Stones DS
19-year-old Lloyd made history as the youngest person with Down Syndrome to complete a marathon.
Lloyd’s story
As a child, Lloyd was always running around and leaping about, spending most of his time on the garden trampoline.
After a double knee surgery, Lloyd had to take a break. But that didn’t stop him. When he recovered, he joined a Special Olympics football team and gymnastics club, plus started doing parkruns with his family. He eventually worked up to the world’s largest marathon event – the London Marathon.
I'd like to raise funds for Stepping Stones DS who have introduced me to and enabled me to enjoy many activities ever since I was a baby. And for Special Olympics GB who have set up many sporting groups, where I can play competitive sports.
- Lloyd Martin
He knew the training would be tough, but it was music and his mum by his side that carried him through. On 21 April 2024, Lloyd set the world record as the youngest person with Down Syndrome to complete a marathon.
More about Lloyd
WORLD RECORD
On April 21, 2024, Lloyd made history as the youngest person with Down Syndrome to complete the London Marathon, showing unbreakable determination.
LIFELONG SUPPORT
Lloyd’s received lifelong support and opportunities from Stepping Stones DS and Special Olympics Britain, which motivated him to raise money.
ROLE MODEL
Lloyd’s inspired other teens by competing in football, gymnastics, and being the first with Down Syndrome to complete a marathon.
SUPPORT NETWORK
Training was tough, but Lloyd found inspiration in his mum and her unending support.
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winner
Maya Tohid
Raised +£10,000 on JustGiving for Young Lives Vs. Cancer
12-year-old Maya completed a 100km personal running challenge during 24 sessions of radiotherapy treatment.
Maya’s story
In June 2023, at just 12 years old, Maya’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Just days after her diagnosis, she underwent brain surgery. The surgery successfully reduced the tumour size, but Maya needed proton beam radiotherapy to prevent further growth.
While many would understandably focus solely on their recovery and treatment, Maya had a different plan. Her radiotherapy treatment coincided with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September), inspiring her to embark on a truly remarkable journey.
She decided to run 100km while receiving 28 sessions of medical treatment to raise money for her chosen charity, Young Lives vs Cancer.
I believe strong is the new beautiful and cancer has picked the wrong girl.
- Maya Tohid
During the challenge, Maya faced rigorous treatment, facing extreme fatigue, and contending with numerous side effects, including headaches and nausea.
Yet, undeterred by these obstacles, Maya persisted, declaring “I believe strong is the new beautiful and cancer has picked the wrong girl”. She managed to run about 92km before becoming unwell and being admitted to the hospital, where she underwent her second brain surgery.
Not one to leave tasks unfinished, she asked her dad to step in and run the last 8 km on her behalf. All in all, Maya raised more than £10,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer during this challenge.
More about Maya
DEEP CONNECTION
Maya has a deep connection with Young Lives Vs Cancer, as she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour at only age 12.
WHAT A JOURNEY
Despite facing severe side effects, Maya ran 91km and inspired others through the challenge.
LEADING EXAMPLE
Maya’s determination set a powerful example for other teens, showing unbelievable strength in the face of hardship.
DRIVING FORCE
Maya’s mantra, “Strong is the new beautiful” helped her complete the challenge with the help of her dad.
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Image credit
Lloyd Martin – TCS London Marathon
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