Family of 18-year-old Jordan Dawes to run London Marathon in her memory
The family of a teenager who died of cancer are set to run the London Marathon to raise funds for children and young people with the disease.
Jordan Dawes, from Swanley, was told she had liver cancer in November 2018 after being rushed to hospital after having a stroke.
The Kent Football United goalkeeper was transferred to a hospital in London where she was told her cancer had spread, and could not be treated.
She died in a hospice on February 22, 2019, aged just 18, surrounded by her family.
Following her death, the former North Kent College student received a tribute from Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.
The charity Young Lives vs Cancer helped Jordan from the moment of her diagnosis, so her family are now planning on running the London Marathon for the charity in her honour.
Her uncle, Darran Gurr, from Gravesend, said: "I am raising money for Young Lives vs Cancer again in memory of my niece Jordan.
"All money goes to the amazing work they do in supporting children and young adults with cancer.
"I know they helped Jordan, my sister and her family a great deal."
Her cousin-in-law, James Elliott, from Chatham, said: "The London Marathon will be a tough challenge, but not as tough of a battle for those children and their families that are sadly battling cancer."
In the UK, 12 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every day.
Survival rates are more than 80% but cancer is still the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.
The charity Young Lives vs Cancer helps people with cancer aged from zero to 25, and their families. It provides specialist support and helps with the costs associated with the disease.
Last year, the charity helped 134 Kent families, and gave out 112 financial grants, totalling £23,820, to families dealing with cancer.
A report by Young Lives vs Cancer found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.
It also has a number of Homes from Home, which are free places for families to stay nearby to their child's hospital, to help them avoid extra costs on travel, accommodation and food.
Rebecca Clements, sports portfolio manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “We can’t thank Darran and James enough for their amazing efforts, taking on the challenge of a lifetime for Young Lives vs Cancer.
"For every blister they have both encountered and all the running and training they have done, we are in awe of their dedication and determination.
“This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we’d love to see the community get behind a final push for both Darran and James’ fundraising.
"It’s a really special year for the TCS London Marathon since the pandemic and so we can’t wait to cheer on them and all of Team Young Lives all the way to the finish line.”
To sponsor Darran and James and their London Marathon effort, click here or here.
The London Marathon is taking place on Sunday, October 2.