A devoted mother and daughter from Bedford have completed an incredible 100-kilometre canoe challenge across Scotland to help find a cure for brain tumours. Hayley Firth and her daughter Amy undertook the gruelling five-day journey in memory of their beloved relative, George Fox.
Thirteen-year-old George, from Barton-le-Clay, sadly passed away in April 2022, just one year after being diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Despite this, just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
A Journey of Love and Determination
The brave duo paddled along the Great Glen Canoe Trail as part of a team of six to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research. They wild camped along the route as they navigated canals, lochs and open water, including the vast expanse of Loch Ness.
Hayley said: "Without a doubt, this has been one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I have ever done but every single mile was worth it for George, and for helping make a difference to people affected by brain tumours. It was a privilege to take on this challenge alongside such an incredible group of friends who are all fighting for the same cause – to find a cure and support Brain Tumour Research. The teamwork, encouragement and determination shown by everyone was something really special."
She added: "I also loved sharing the whole adventure with Amy. It’s such a special memory for us to have together, and it’s something I know we’ll never forget."
George's Brave Battle
George, affectionately known to many as Gorgeous George, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and multiple brain surgeries during his illness. With a lack of treatment options available in the UK, his family were forced to travel to Germany and America for treatment. Sadly, George was unable to take part in a planned clinical trial in Los Angeles after his condition deteriorated on the flight out.
Amy said: "George and I were really close, we played lots of games together and had a special bond. George had the most adorable face. It’s a devastating disease but it’s been so nice connecting with other families and raising awareness. We want people to know about George and how brave he was. With everything he went through, he is the bravest and most inspiring person I’ve ever met. We continue to do these things as part of his legacy."
Previous Fundraising Efforts
Since George was diagnosed, his family and friends have worked tirelessly alongside Brain Tumour Research to fundraise and campaign for greater investment. In March 2025, Amy and Hayley were part of a group of 16 fundraisers who raised £90,000 after completing a 50-kilometre trek in the Sahara. Just one month ago, Amy also ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon, raising an additional £1,600.
The money they raise will help fund vital research taking place at The Institute of Cancer Research. There, scientists are working to improve outcomes, develop new treatments and accelerate more therapies into clinical trials for young people.
A United Team
For this latest challenge, Hayley and Amy were joined by a group of friends who they met while trekking the Sahara Desert last year. The team included Hariette Small, a teacher living in Berkshire, who took part in memory of a close family friend who died from a brain tumour aged just eight. They were also joined by Claire Cordiner, from Edinburgh, whose family has been devastated by the disease after losing four loved ones.
Hayley said: "Meeting the group in the Sahara was such a powerful experience. We all came together because of brain tumours, but what we built out there was something much deeper. We supported each other through a really tough challenge, and that created a bond that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been through it. We knew we wanted to do something together again, and this felt like the perfect opportunity."
Charity's Response
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, commented: "We’re incredibly grateful to Hayley and Amy for taking on this incredible challenge, and the family of Gorgeous George for their continued support. George’s legacy has raised vital awareness and a huge amount of fundraising. His story is a stark reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. With the continued efforts of people like Hayley and Amy we will change outcomes for people diagnosed with this devastating disease."
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres across the UK. The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million to improve survival rates in line with other cancers.
