A dad from Abingdon is running 100km to raise money for charity after his son’s shock cancer diagnosis.  

Sam McKavanagh and two friends, Joel Brisk and Simon Davies, have already raised more than £11,000 for their chosen charities.

Just after his first birthday Sam’s son, Milo, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

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He said: “Milo was a very chubby and happy baby and this diagnosis came completely out of the blue and was a huge shock to everyone who knows our little family.

Oxford Mail:

“Our little hero underwent eight round of intense chemotherapy on Kamran’s Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford as well as two major surgeries to remove one of his adrenal glands and a metastases in his lungs.

“The treatment was unbelievably tough but somehow Milo managed to be his little smiley self throughout. He learnt to walk during this time and all the hospital staff loved him.

“We are in awe of the medical staff at the hospital, who have always done everything they can to help him and support us.

“His treatment was gruelling but they always said that they would not have put him through all of this if they didn’t think it would make him better.”

Oxford Mail:

Mr McKavanagh explained that during his cancer treatment Milo was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

This is a type of gene mutation and means that Milo is at risk of developing other types of cancer in his lifetime.

Mr McKavanagh’s partner, Maria has also been diagnosed with the condition.

The three friends are running the ultramarathon from Lewknor to Avebury over two days from July 8 to July 9.

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The money raised will be split equally between the charities Young Lives vs Cancer and and the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust.

The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust is dedicated to supporting families with Li Fraumeni Syndrome and related conditions. 

Mr McKavanagh said: “The charity Young Lives vs Cancer helped us immediately after Milo’s diagnosis with a whole range of things.

Oxford Mail:

“I was able to stay in this house, nearby the hospital which meant I could leave as late possible in the evenings and arrive as early as possible in the mornings.

“As a family anytime that you spend apart is tough but in that situation it is even tougher.

“The charity also puts on lots of activities for the kids.”

The three friends all work as teachers at secondary schools in Oxfordshire. 

To donate to Young Lives vs Cancer and the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, you can access the group’s giving page here.