Grantham boys to take on tough mud run for friend who has battled cancer
Two young lads aged seven and eight will take on a challenging mud run for a friend who has battled cancer.
Archie Westwood, 7, and Josh Foley, 8, will race 5,000 metres over obstacles and through mud at Burghley House on June 1 to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The two kind-hearted pals decided to do it because a friend who works with their mums at Grantham Caravans, Ricky Gardner, was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Known by many locally as DJ Ricky G, the 57-year-old Grantham man said: “They’re amazing for doing it, I did cry a little bit when they told me – it hit me.
“When [Josh’s mum] Lisa told me, I was a blubbering mess – I’m not usually emotional at all, but going through all this messes with your emotions.”
Ricky’s journey to beat cancer began in June last year when he found a lump in his neck. He went on to receive the diagnosis and faced a number of procedures in addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
He was given the all-clear on Valentine’s Day following several months of gruelling treatment at Lincoln County Hospital.
Although doctors are confident they have removed the cancer, Ricky said he has a long way to go.
“I thought I was alright,” he said. “I got through all the treatment and I thought, ‘bring it on’. But then work had to send me home because I broke down.
“Now I’ve got to build myself back up.”
Admitting he tried to do too much too soon, Ricky is now taking slower steps to recovery and is looking forward to his sister’s upcoming wedding – although the date clashes with the boys’ mud run so he is disappointed he can’t be there.
But he won’t miss the action as the boys’ mums, Sophie Philbey and Lisa Foley, will video call him so he can watch the boys splashing through the mud.
Josh, who lives in Ropsley, said: “We’re doing it to help people with cancer, like Ricky.”
Archie, of Allington, added: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m going to enjoy it and I’m going to be muddy.”
Archie’s mum Sophie said of her son: “I’m so proud of him. He’s an amazing little boy with a big heart.
“He’s cheeky but he’s got a softer side to him that I hope he maintains for the rest of his life.”
Lisa added: “I’m so proud of Josh. He melted my heart when he said he wanted to do a mud run and can he do one.
“He said he wanted to raise money and help people like Ricky and his [grandad] ‘Pappy’ who has
dementia.”
To sponsor Josh and Archie – aka ‘The Destroyers’ – visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thedestroyers
Keen to support those who have helped him, Ricky has raised around £2,000 for Macmillan with the support of family and friends, and hopes to do more in the future.
