Daisy’s cancer fight inspires fundraising challenge

A DEVON optician is preparing to run the Grand Western Canal, having been inspired by his best friend’s daughter who’s been battling acute leukaemia.

Neil Millen, a director at the locally owned and run Specsavers Bideford, is pulling on his running shoes to raise as much money as he can for the charity Cure Leukaemia after seeing 15-year-old Daisy McGowan battle the disease for two years.

To raise further funds, Daisy’s father Scott is tackling all 21 stages of the Tour de France route – 3,333km and 5,4450m of ascent – on behalf of Cure Leukaemia, as part of a group of dedicated amateur cyclists.

Although Neil won’t be able to join Scott in France, he’s training hard to do his own fitness challenge to help boost the fundraising.

Neil says: ‘Scott is one of my best friends. We’ve cycled together in lots of places and I’ve been his training partner ahead of his epic France ride.

‘After Daisy’s diagnosis, it’s been a tough time for Scott and the family, but Daisy’s now doing fantastically and is due to finish her treatment in October.

‘I wanted to do something appropriate to raise money for the charity, and the Great Western Canal goes past the back of Scott’s house, so it seemed an appropriate place to do my run.

‘I’ve not done a half marathon before. Because the canal isn’t quite as long as a half marathon, I’ll be running a bit extra to make sure I cover the full 13.1 miles.

‘As well as seeing what Daisy’s been through, my daughter’s best friend battled leukaemia and my daughter was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, so I’ve seen too many poorly children.

‘But with the right treatment, my daughter and her friend have done so well. In fact, my daughter has just handed in her PhD thesis – on cancer research.’

Scott, who lives near Tiverton, is aiming to complete the Tour de France route on 19 July, one week ahead of the professional riders.

Neil has planned his Great Western Canal run for the same day, with all donations from both events helping to fund vital research, clinical trials and life‑saving treatments.

Scott says: ‘I’m really grateful to Neil for what he’s doing. Every penny we can raise for Cure Leukaemia really will make a difference.

‘Watching Daisy go through treatment has shown me how tough this disease is and how vital new research and clinical trials are.

‘No child, no family, should have to face what she and so many others are going through. Every mile I ride will be for her — and for everyone affected by leukaemia.

‘By taking on the full Tour de France route, I want to do everything I can to support Cure Leukaemia so that more patients can access life-saving trials, better treatments and, ultimately, brighter futures.’

To make a donation towards Neil’s fundraising total, go online at https://shorturl.at/F1FFh