Thankful Runner’s 190-Mile Dash Raises £8,400 For Our Cancer Ward

A thankful runner took on the Wainwrights Coast to Coast challenge for sick kids, raising over £8,400 for our Children’s Hospital’s cancer ward.

Harry Colledge, from Sheffield, ran 190 miles in three-and-a-half days to show his heartfelt gratitude for the lifesaving care received by his girlfriend’s five-year-old nephew, River.

At just four years old, River began suffering from frequent constipation and struggling to walk. Concerned about his symptoms, his mum, Rachel, took him to his local hospital multiple times, desperately seeking answers. Eventually, an MRI scan revealed two tumours on River’s spine.

River was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for overnight emergency spinal decompression surgery. His mum and dad, Rachel and Doug, waited anxiously through the night, praying that their little boy would be alright.

Thankfully the surgery was a success. Rachel and Doug were overwhelmed with relief, reuniting with their son in our hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit and spending precious moments with him. In the middle of so much fear and uncertainty, that time together meant everything.

Shortly afterwards, River’s family received the devastating news that River had T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. The pain his parents felt was indescribable. Rachel and Doug suddenly found themselves navigating a world of emergency surgery, intensive care and cancer treatment, all while trying to be strong for their child.

In early January this year, River began chemotherapy at our Children’s Hospital, marking the beginning of an incredibly difficult chapter. He spent months in and out of hospital, enduring treatment after treatment, while showing strength and courage that no four-year-old should ever need to find. His journey has been long, exhausting and filled with uncertainty, but through it all, River has continued to fight.

Thankfully, almost a year on from River’s diagnosis, his cancer has now gone into remission. He’s regained his mobility and moves around the house independently, a milestone that means more to his family than words could ever express.

Rachel said: “I want to thank every single nurse on Ward 10 and Ward 18 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Their dedication, compassion, diligence and support, day in and day out, is something truly special. They were there for us when it mattered most, and the difference they made goes far beyond words.”

While River’s journey is not yet over and he continues to receive treatment, River’s family are so grateful to see the progress their son continues to make, choosing to celebrate every positive milestone in his journey.

Rachel added: “River is so much more than his diagnosis. He is a little boy who deserves a childhood filled with happiness, laughter, adventure and all the wonderful things that should come with being (now five) years old.”

After seeing the immeasurable love Rachel and Doug have for River, and witnessing life-saving impact of our Children’s Hospital first hand, Harry decided to play his part and take on a huge challenge to support the cancer ward.

The run was no easy feat. Harry said: “We had torrential rain through the North Yorkshire moors and the terrain was very exposed and very boggy. Getting to the end of the race was hard work and emotional, and I was very happy to finish! But I did it, and none of it would have been possible without my friends who helped and encouraged me along the way.”

Harry is a barber, and as word of his challenge got around, friends, family and customers were inspired to dig deep to support sick kids like River.

Harry said: “I would have been happy to raise £1,000 so raising over £8,400 was fantastic. If you want to fundraise, all I’d say is, anything you do will make the world of difference. The kids really need the help.”

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to Harry for taking on the Wainwrights Coast to Coast for our charity. Running 190 miles is no easy task and Harry has truly put his best foot forward, ploughing on even when the going got tough.

“Thanks to his kind-hearted support, we can continue to be there for brave children like River, giving our cancer patients the best possible care and environments.”