A dad from Abingdon has raised more than £14,000 for charity after his one-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Sam McKavanagh and two friends, Joel Brisk and Simon Davies completed the 100km Race to the Stones event last weekend.
During his cancer treatment, Mr McKavanagh’s son Milo was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
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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 said: “Race to the Stones was an amazing event - we got the full extent of British summer weather.
“It was a real challenge. 100km is a big undertaking - but it was a really special event.
“Not only because we've raised an amazing amount of money, but also because we had the support of family and friends throughout.
“Nothing could prepare me for how amazing it was seeing Milo, or my partner Maria at different pit stops along the route and it was so special having family and friends there at the finish line to cheer us as we crossed.
“I wouldn't have been able to do the event without Simon and Joel who ran it with me - it was really special to cross the finish line together - I also couldn't have done it without the support of Maria and Milo.
“The challenge that we went through was tough, but it is nothing compared to the challenge that families have to go through when a child or loved one is diagnosed with cancer.”
The money raised is being split equally between the charities Young Lives vs Cancer and the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust.
The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust supports people with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and also funds research into it.
Byron Geldard Young Lives vs Cancer’s fundraising and engagement manager for Oxfordshire said: “Sam has been working hard training for this mammoth challenge over the course of several months.
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“The money raised through this incredible challenge will go on to support many young people with cancer and their families.
“A huge thank you from everyone here at Young Lives vs Cancer.”
Pan Pantziarka, founder of the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust added: "As a small charity dedicated to supporting people with a very rare disease we're dependent on people like Sam to raise funds.
“Every penny raised goes on our core mission, we don't have staff or offices to pay for.
“So it makes a huge difference to us - especially when it's something so inspirational.
“It's a great message that we're doing the right thing - and we really appreciate it."
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