After their friend Antony’s baby was diagnosed with a brain tumour last November, a group of friends from Hessle decided to do whatever they could to raise funds for ward L52 at Leeds Children’s Hospital, where baby Roux has been cared for.

Since then, seven-month-old Roux has undergone seven major operations at Leeds Children’s Hospital to remove his tumour.

Unfortunately, little Roux’s fight isn’t yet over, after his most recent MRI scan revealed that his tumour has begun to grow back.

Inspired by Roux’s brave fight, the group of 18 friends, including Roux’s dad Antony Owen, have been taking part in as many fundraising events as possible.

Shaun Ransom, one of the group members said, “We are big bunch of close-knit friends that feel inspired and compelled to show our support and love to the Owen family during a painful time. We’re hoping to complete as many fundraising challenges as possible throughout 2020 to raise as much as possible for Leeds Cares!”

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get chance to complete any of our fundraising events before lockdown, but we still wanted to do something to show the Owens that we’re still thinking about them and that we’re in this fight together.”

Shaun and his friends kicked off their fundraising with the ‘Race for Roux’ challenge on the 27^th April, hoping collectively to run or cycle the full length of Britain in just 14 days, a whopping 1400km.

Thanks to their determination to fundraise even in these strange circumstances, the ‘Hessle Lads’ reached their £5,000 fundraising target for the year, within 48 hours and have now raised almost £12,000 in just one week.

The group have lots of other fundraising challenges in the pipeline, including half marathons, trekking the Yorkshire Three Peaks and a cycling sportive.

Antony has been overwhelmed by the support his family has received, “We are incredibly lucky to have such a caring, loving and supportive group of friends. Whether it was bringing us gifts, meals and supplies whilst we were in hospital or fundraising now, we simply wouldn’t be where we are now without them.”

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To support the ‘Hessle Lads’ fundraising you can visit their  JustGiving page.