Update 29 November 2024

Hello everyone, Paul here,

On Wednesday I went to the Children’s Cancer Ward at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, to celebrate the incredible £64,478.27 we raised together. It was a day of mixed emotions for us all – humbling, inspiring, heart warming, loving and positive - thanks to the incredible oncology team.

Coco and Faith showed me the ropes, and I met some of the children undergoing treatment and their families, including little Darcy who dressed up specially for the occasion, Sam who told me his favourite meal was a good steak and chips (like me!), and Lucas who didn’t want to be photographed, but chatted all things cooking.

And I also met some of the wonderful team there, including Karen Murrish, Deb Charles, Jaki-Fraser-Hargreaves, Dr Maira Vella, Cathy Robinson, Gemma Davey, Mel Gilbert and Kim O’Keefe. This amazing team have been talking to the children and their families about what would make their stay much more comfortable and have already introduced simple things like blinds at the windows to help the children relax. But this money will go to much bigger things as well. The Children’s Cancer Ward will be totally transformed. The look and feel of the rooms, which are tired and dated, will be completely refreshed in terms of design and colour schemes, with designated rooms for different ages. As part of the refurbishment there will be specially designed wallpapers, mood lighting, new furniture and fittings, as well as things to help the children fill their time while undergoing treatment. Like better tv screens and Netflix, to games, toys and craft activities. I am so glad that the money that you helped me raise will be spent on things that will make a real difference to their lives and can’t wait to see all the changes next year.

I left with lasting memories of an incredible group of very special people, caring for and supporting children and their families at such a difficult time. It was truly humbling, and made every swimming stroke, every pedal turn and every running step absolutely worthwhile.

Thank you to everyone who donated. I hope you are as proud of our achievement as I am.

Love Paul x

My name is Paul Ainsworth. I'm a chef and restaurateur based here in Cornwall.

As a father of two young girls, I cannot even comprehend how I would feel if either of my daughters was diagnosed with cancer. But our good friends, Charlie and Faith Toogood, do know how that feels. Two years ago, one of their two young daughters, Coco, was diagnosed with leukaemia and their lives were turned upside down. My wife Emma and I followed their daily journey as they battled this awful illness as a family. Throughout, Faith offered an eloquent, often heart breakingly raw insight into their cancer journey.

Coco is now in remission, but Faith’s strength in sharing their story inspired me to raise as much money as I can for the Children’s Cancer Fund at our local hospital, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske.

On 1st September I am running, swimming and cycling my first ever Triathlon. The Ironman 70.3 is a gruelling course featuring a 1.2-mile lake swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run, and I am determined to not only complete the course, but to do my absolute best and use this event to raise as much money as I can. With the money raised we will provide things that literally make a difference, from games and sensory tools, medical equipment, travel assistance, furnishings, fixture and fittings, to help make the lives of childhood cancer patients, from babies to teenagers and their families, that little bit easier.

I'll be digging deep to complete the course and cross that finish line. To help drive me, I have set the ambitious goal of raising £50,000 in sponsorship. Every penny will go to help the children and their families. I'll keep you up to date with my progress through my Instagram profile @paulainsw6rth. Follow my training journey and join me as I complete my first, ever Triathlon in Austria. And I’ll show you what your funding allows us to achieve together.

Thank you on behalf of my family, Faith and Charlie, Coco and India, and so many others who will benefit from this money.

Lots of love,

Paul Ainsworth