Harry Smith from St Albans devised his tough fitness challenge, based around the number 8, as part of his continued fundraising for Emily.
Emily
This was Harry’s latest challenge in memory of his younger sister Emily who was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma when she was eight years old.
Emily’s diagnosis came in July 2022 after feeling ‘unusual’ and having weakness on her right side just a few days before. Emily was referred to hospital where she had an MRI which revealed the tumour in her brain. She sadly died just 11 days later.
Diffuse midline gliomas are one of the most common types of brain tumour in children. Currently there is no cure – something we are determined to change.
Harry’s family set up Supporter Group Emily’s Fund – and have raised over £85,000 in her memory.
Harry’s “Active April” challenge
Since 2023, when he began, Harry has vowed to do an “Active April” challenge in memory of Emily. That year, he raised £25,000 by swam a mile, climbed Scafel Pike, and cycled 75km home from Addenbrooke’s Hospital – the journey that sadly, Emily was unable to make. Last year, he swam a marathon distance in a 25 metre pool, one mile at a time.
He was named Just Giving’s Junior Fundraiser of the Year in 2023 – a reflection of his determination and drive to make a difference.
This year’s challenge was a duathlon he devised himself, based around the number 8.
Harry’s task was to cycle 80km round Hertfordshire, before swapping his bike for trainers and running 8km in 1km loops. Harry said:
“I chose this challenge based around the number 8 as it is a very special number to us. Emily was 8-years old when she died on the 8th of the 8th 2022.
“We planned the bike route in a figure of eight, the infinity sign, to signify the infinite amount of love we have for Emily.
“The hardest part will be the last kilometre, carrying the weight of Emily on my back, using a 23kg weighted vest. It will be physically hard but also very emotional.”
Fundraising forever
On Saturday 26th April, Harry completed his tough bike ride, including several steep hills, and then switched to the run, which was in 1km loops at his local church where there is a plaque remembering Emily. At this point, he was joined by lots of his and Emily’s friends who took on the run with him. He even managed a speech at the end!
“This year’s challenge was inspired by the number 8 which is special as it is the date on which Emily passed, and it is the amount of years that we had her, and that she lived for. It is also significant as 88,000 people around UK are battling a brain tumour.
“Particular thanks to my Dad for doing the challenge with me, especially for making me cycle up what felt like an endless amount of steep hills, cheers for that! Thank you as well to everyone who ran with me today, that last lap was very hard emotionally and physically. I want to say another thanks to everyone who donated.
“And lastly today was for you, Emily, and I miss you so much. Like I’ve said before I will be fundraising forever.”
Find out more about Harry’s fundraising here:
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to devise your own challenge or take part in one that’s already planned, our community fundraising team is happy to support!