Good luck to superstar teenage fundraiser, Anthony Cawley, ahead of his epic challenge for Brain Tumour Research.
The 13-year-old is limbering up to run an impressive 15km tomorrow (Saturday 26th August) to raise funds for research into the disease which killed his uncle and a schoolfriend. Anthony will complete his challenge in his late uncle’s home town of County Mayo, Ireland.
Anthony was heartbroken when his friend, George Fox, died of a glioblastoma (GBM) in April 2022, aged 13. His grief was compounded by the loss of his uncle, Paraic Carolan (pictured with Anthony), to the same type of tumour in November, aged 58.
Anthony’s mum, Teresa, said: “George was in the year above Anthony in school and then my brother got diagnosed with exactly the same thing, so he’s seen his family go through absolute hell.
“He and Paraic were close and he said to me a few months after Paraic died that he really wanted to do something to make a difference. This challenge has helped give him a focus.”
Incredibly, Anthony is already more than 90% of the way to achieving his £10,000 fundraising target.
George’s mum, Louise, said: “We’re so grateful to Anthony for doing this run in memory of George and his uncle Paraic. What an incredible boy for wanting to make a difference.
“Anthony and his family are friends of ours and it’s so sad that they too are grieving a loss that never should have happened. Anthony’s an inspiration and we know George and Paraic will be with him every step of the way.”
To support Anthony’s efforts, click here to donate to his fundraising page.