My Story

Firstly, 

Thank you for visiting and any donations that you give, I know it goes to a great cause, I witness it first hand.

I am running this marathon to give back to the charity that has and continues to help and support my family.

Teenage Cancer Trust help young people that are going through cancer treatments,  providing care and organising events.

The funding is needed as it supports specialised nurses & youth workers, it funds the amazing events they put on for everyone and helps fund the hospital units they have.

Personal ties.

Back in October 2022 my nephew, Rowan, who was 11 at the time was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Rowan has been through all sorts of treatments/ surgeries since.
Firstly he had Brain surgery and then after recovery from that he has between thorough courses of Chemo, Radiotherapy and is currently going through immunotherapy. Teenage Cancer Trust have been there to support him all the way through this journey.

Teenage Cancer Trust have a unit at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and Rowan goes here when he is going for his treatments. The unit on Day Care where he receives his fortnightly treatment is quiet and comfortable away from the busy ward full of younger ones.  The unit through in the main Ward where he can go if he has overnight stays in hospital offers two rooms dedicated for teenagers.  They are comfy and cosy with TV, DVD and gaming facilities.  There is also a ‘Snug’ social area with comfy seating, various games consoles, board games and activities and even a juke box! These areas make it much less ‘hospitaly’ which is great and gives teens a dedicated are to chill and spend time doing activities.

Rowan has a Youth Support Coordinator called Conor (pictured in the Banner with Rowan) who offers him support and organises various events for him. These events are brilliant and Rowan has loved taking part in them. They have really helped build his confidence and helped him connect with others going through the same thing. He attends monthly ‘Teen Nights’ where the group chill with pizza and take part in various different activities such as graffiti art and gaming vans.  Rowan has also attended a residential trip to Crieff hydro which was support by Teenage Cancer Trust.  

Conor will always be around when Rowan is in having his treatment and will sit and chat and more importantly the pair of them will choose some sort of game or quiz to play to help pass the time while on Day Care! Conor has been a big part of Rowan’s journey and has really helped make things for manageable for him and bring him out of his shell.

Lastly for those of you that dont know Rowan personally. Rowan is a young lad that shows so much strength of character everyday, even when going though his treatments, he always has a smile on his face, is cracking jokes and still has enough energy to chase Aoife around the house like a madman!!!

The way I see it if he can find the strength to do that when he is going through everything then surely I can run a few miles to raise some money for a charity that does so much for him.

Again thank you all for your donations!! I really appreciate it and i know the charity does too!!

Sean