A ten-year-old girl is set to compete in a 5k race in Salford to raise money for the hospital which helped save her dad’s life.
Lily Heywood, 10, is set to run a 5k race at MediaCity next Thursday (28 September) to raise funds for The Christie Hospital, where her dad, Matt, received life-saving care for Melanoma.
A Kitchen Designer from Buxton, Matt underwent major surgery, followed by 12 months of treatment, and has participated in a clinical trial to advance early melanoma detection.
Now given the “all clear”, Matt decided to give back to hospital by completing six different fundraising challenges for ‘The Christie Challenge’.
As part of this, Matt ran a half marathon and brought Lily with him. He explained: “Lily was so absorbed with the energy of the whole event. She loved every minute of it and asked me on the way home on the train, ‘Daddy what can I do to help?’.”
Since then, Lily has began her own fundraising initiative, which has seen her run 540 laps of her playground, a 60-mile bike ride, swimming 60 lengths, hiking 60 miles, and climbing Mount Snowdon (3,560ft).
Next Thursday’s run will see her complete her challenge and take in the sights of The Lowry Theatre, The Imperial War Museum and the BBC and ITV Studios.
Matt said: “[Lily’s] grit and determination has brought me to tears. Her school, St Anne’s Primary School in Buxton donated £100 as they were so blown away by Lily’s positive attitude and stamina.”
To date, Matt and Lily have raised a combined total of more than £6,000.
Josh Hughff from The Christie Charity says: “Lily is an absolute star. We are so impressed with the fundraising challenges she has set herself.
“Her determination and commitment to support The Christie Charity is amazing. Lily has a tenacity and determination way beyond her years. We couldn’t be more thankful for the support from Lily and her dad Matt.”
To donate to Matt and Lily’s challenges, visit their JustGiving page.
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