Kirkham Grammar pupil gives up school holiday for Rosemere Cancer Foundation

Inside a radiotherapy treatment room at Rosemere Cancer Centre

School may be out for the summer, but for 12-year-old Kirkham Grammar Pupil, Lewis Simpson, there’s still a timetable to follow as he takes on a 1,000km challenge for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

Lewis, 12, is planning to use his eight-week school holiday to run, walk and cycle 1,000km to raise money for the foundation that provided treatment for his mum, Natalie, while she battled breast cancer at Royal Preston Hospital.

Lewis, who was just seven-years-old when Natalie was diagnosed, said: “I’ve decided to give something back by setting myself this challenge.

“Rosemere looked after my mum through six months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and they helped my family through a really tough time. All sponsor money will be donated to Rosemere so they can help more families.”

Lewis is sticking to a strict schedule to meet his target. — Lewis is sticking to a strict schedule to meet his target

Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria who are treated both at Rosemere Cancer Centre as well as another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties.

The charity funds cutting edge equipment, research, training and other cancer services and therapies that the NHS is unable to afford.

Natalie said: “Lewis announced his intention to take on this challenge on his last day of term and has devised himself a spreadsheet detailing a weekly target of just over 100km.

“Even though he was very young when I was going through treatment, it shows the impact that cancer has on the whole family – it’s something that doesn’t go away.

“We are very proud of Lewis and very grateful to everyone who is supporting him.”

See the latest coronavirus numbers in your area below

Among supporters are family, school friends, Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club where Lewis plays and dad Stuart is a coach, and members of Longridge Gymnastics Club, of which Lewis is also a member.

Accompanying Lewis on his bike rides, runs and walks will be Natalie, Stuart and 10 year-old sister Emilia

Lewis has already managed to raise over £1,000 through his JustGiving page.

Have you been inspired by Lewis’ story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.