David Radcliffe, 43, from Isleham, who works in Cambridge, is preparing to take on the South Coast Ultra Challenge on Saturday, September 5 to Sunday, September 6. The 100km hike across the South Downs will raise money for Just George, a fund supporting childhood cancer research through CCLG: The Children & Young People's Cancer Association. He has already raised around £1,500 and hopes his challenge will help fund research into rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
A son's courageous battle
The fundraising effort is inspired by David and Lisa’s son, George, who was just three years old when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2022 after a lump suddenly appeared on the side of his head. Despite undergoing an intensive programme of treatment including chemotherapy, major surgery and six weeks of Proton Beam radiotherapy, George's cancer returned. After further treatment proved unsuccessful, George died on October 14, 2023.
Throughout his illness, George became known for his positivity, resilience and ability to bring joy to those around him. David said: "George was born a smiley, happy, active boy. He loved books, learning and asking curious questions about the world. Even during treatment, he stayed beautifully in the present, waking each day expecting to feel well. His light shone on our family and resonated across all who met him."
Enduring unimaginable challenges
George endured more than most adults could imagine. Alongside the gruelling cancer treatment, he required a tracheostomy for six months, suffered from a locked jaw, was fed through a gastrostomy button, lost sight in one eye and spent long periods in hospital, including three months across multiple hospitals. Yet his family say he continued to smile, dance and build friendships with medical staff throughout his treatment.
George’s mum, Lisa, commented: "George bounced back time and again from the challenges he faced. He remembered everyone's names, offered smiles and conversation and was loved by so many people." A gifted learner with a passion for science, history and maths, George even started school in Reception in September 2023 despite his cancer progressing and requiring high doses of pain medication.
Turning grief into positive action
Following George's death, his family established Just George to help fund research into rhabdomyosarcoma and improve outcomes for future children diagnosed with the disease. David's 100km challenge is the latest fundraising effort in George's memory. He added: "This 100km hike will be my hardest challenge yet, but every step is for George. Through Just George, we're helping to fund research into kinder and more effective treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma, giving children facing the same battle a better chance and a brighter future."
The South Coast Ultra Challenge will see thousands of participants walk, jog or run routes of up to 100km through the South Downs National Park and along the Sussex coastline. The full route stretches from Eastbourne to Arundel, taking in landmarks including Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and Devil's Dyke. For George's family, however, the challenge is about far more than the distance covered.
Lisa continued: "As parents, who have had their hopes and dreams for their incredible little boy shattered, we want to turn that negative energy into something positive. We want families in the future to have access to kinder treatments and more successful treatments. If this fund helps even one family facing this horrendous disease, then George's incredible fight will have meant something."
Entries are still open for the South Coast Ultra Challenge. Visit: www.ultrachallenge.com/south-coast-challenge/
