A dad from Clacton-on-Sea has completed a 37.2-mile walking challenge to raise money for the charity that supported his son after he was diagnosed with a Dermatofibrosarcomaprotuberans – a rare type of soft tissue tumour which develops in the deep layers of the skin.
Mark Willis, 46, has raised £1,587 for charities, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) Charity and Sarcoma UK, after his then 17-year-old son, Kye, was treated at RNOH in February to have the tumour removed.
Mark, Kye, and five members of his friends and family walked part of the 30 miles along the Stour valley path each on August 10th. Mark said:
“Kye had the very best of treatment at the hospital. We are so grateful to everyone there for supporting him and us through this journey that we wanted to do something to say thank you. Kye spent a lot of time in the hospital’s playroom watching the TV and logging onto WIFI to use Zoom, all which helped take his mind off what was happening so raising money for some new additions to playroom is a lovely way to show just how grateful we were.
“I have never been much of a walker so completing the full 30 miles was a real challenge for me but I am proud to say I finished it, clocking up 75,362 steps in just over 14 hours. Me and Kye’s mum, Sadie, and all his family and friends are very proud of kye completing 25.5 miles.”
Kye is still recovering from his operations but is doing very well and will be having yearly check-ups.
The RNOH Charity supports the work of RNOH which treats patients of all ages suffering from neuro musculoskeletal conditions, including spinal cord injuries, bone cancer, scoliosis, and acute hip and knee problems.
Vicky Brady, community fundraising manager of the RNOH Charity added: “Well done to Mark, Kye and the rest of their team for this fantastic effort. Kye was very brave facing his diagnosis and we are so glad that we were there to make his time in hospital a little more manageable. The money raised will go towards play equipment in the paediatric ward where Kye spent more of his time so other children and young people can also enjoy their time in there and sprucing up the garden to provide a nice relaxing outdoor space.”
The Charity recently launched its Impossible Possible campaign. To find out more and how you can donate or get involved please visit www.rnohcharity.org/impossible-possible
