A LARGE group of family and friends from York took on a gruelling challenge in aid of a charity which has supported a teenage cancer patient

Eddy Clarkson is now in remission and at home, and his family in York wanted to thank the Teenage Cancer Trust for the care it gave him while he was treated at St James’ Hospital in Leeds last year.

Karen and James Burdass, from Haxby, rallied together friends and family to take part in a four-day challenge in honour of their nephew Eddy, which included a 220-mile bike ride, a 5km swim in Lake Windermere and a hike up Helvellyn.

Karen said they had initially hoped to raise £5,000 for the charity but the overwhelming support from people meant they were heading towards £17,000.

“It is just amazing and we are so thrilled,” she said. “The money that we raise will help more young people diagnosed with cancer to get the specialist care and expert support that they need. The unit gave Eddy amazing care whilst he was in hospital and they continue to do so now that he is back home and in remission.

“This care also extended to his immediate family to help them cope during such a traumatic time. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer aged between 13 and 24, but they rely on donations to fund such vital work. ”

Eddy and his family are still supported by the TCT, which relies on donations to fund its work.

Heather Bowen, the trust’s regional manager for Yorkshire and The Humber, said: “This is an amazing challenge and the funds raised will be spent on patient support on and off the unit in Leeds. We can’t thank the team enough for taking on such a monumental challenge such as this.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/to-helv-and-back.