Joe Allardice, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour is taking on a 200km charity challenge — with his 13-year-old son determined to complete every step by his side.
Joe was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March and said he wanted to find a positive way to cope with the life-changing news while keeping active during treatment and recovery.
The challenge will see Joe complete 200 kilometres in stages for Brain Tumour Research, depending on what he is physically capable of both before and after surgery, while raising money for a brain tumour charity that has already supported him and his family.
But the fundraiser quickly became even more emotional after Joe’s eldest son, Reuben, decided he wanted to join him.
Joe said: “I got diagnosed with glioblastoma and I needed to do something to get me out of the house and keep active, so what better way than to do 200km in chunks of whatever I’m capable of at the moment and after surgery.
“When my eldest son Reuben, who is 13, came to see me in hospital, he decided to also take on the challenge and help me every step of the way.
“We’re hopefully planning on doing something special together to finish it off.”
Joe said the challenge is about much more than raising money, describing it as a way of giving back after seeing first-hand the support available to people facing brain tumours.
“It’s definitely for a great cause,” he added. “I’ve already seen first hand what the charity does with information and help for people with brain tumours, so it only feels fair that if I can help give back then I will.
“After reading and researching about glioblastoma, it’s clear more money and awareness is needed.”
Friends, family and supporters have already begun backing the father-and-son effort, with many praising Reuben’s determination to stand beside his dad throughout the challenge.
For those able to help and doante. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JOE1776950901765?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM
