Grandparents Nick and Jenni McDonagh from Wokingham have been walking 10 miles a day, a total of 1,434 miles since November, to raise vital funds for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity.

The pair completed their challenge by virtually walking the distance between CLIC Sargent’s 10 Homes from Home across the UK, an additional 480 miles. At each ‘stop’ they donated £50 worth of vouchers to the Home to help families staying there.

Nick and Jenni’s efforts were inspired by their granddaughter, Emily, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in November 2019 at just five weeks old. Following her diagnosis, the family has received ongoing support from CLIC Sargent. Feeling helpless, Jenni and Nick wanted to do something to raise funds for CLIC Sargent, who they say has supported their family “tirelessly” since Emily’s diagnosis.

Jenni and Nick decided to walk, as a way to help raise money and keep themselves busy while Emily was receiving treatment in hospital. They first started with a goal of 540 miles by Christmas Eve, then they decided to carry on in the New Year and eventually they added on the challenge of walking the distance between the charity’s Home from Homes.

“Emily’s cancer is a step-by-step journey,” Jenni said, “And our walk mirrors that. It’s not easy but we remind ourselves it’s for Emily, and just keep going, one foot in front of the other.

We wanted to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity because cancer really turns families’ lives upside down and we want CLIC Sargent to be there to support every family who needs them.”

As well as their incredible walking challenge, Jenni and Nick also decided to give a personal donation to each Home to help families staying there as they know how difficult it is for families when their child has cancer.

CLIC Sargent’s “Homes from Home” provide a free place for families to stay while their child undergoes treatment for cancer. All of CLIC Sargent’s Homes are situated right next to specialist hospitals and families can stay free of charge for as long as they need. They help families avoid the extra financial burdens of travel, accommodation and food costs and they allow younger cancer patients to be close to their loved ones, keeping families together.

Lisa Terry, House Manager at CLIC Court in Oxford, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Jenni and Nick for their kind donation. The families that use our accommodation always appreciate the services we provide and the huge generosity of our donors.

“Our Homes always try to provide everything the family may require during their stay to make it as comfortable as possible during hard times. Through donations, we can stock up our family cupboards with food goods like pasta, tinned soup, biscuits, long life milk, and toiletries. These tend to be a godsend for families when they have to be accommodated quickly and have nothing with them or forgotten items.”

Last year in Berkshire, where Jenni & Nick live, CLIC Sargent supported 88 families and gave out 56 financial grants to the value of £10,270 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

Rose Bailey, CLIC Sargent Fundraising Engagement Manager for Berkshire, said: “We’re so grateful to Nick and Jenni for taking on this epic challenge to raise vital funds for CLIC Sargent, and for their generous donation to each of our Homes. They are such inspirations. The money they are raising is going to have a huge impact on young cancer patients and their families going through the toughest of times.”

Inspired by Jenni & Nick’s story? Ready to spring into action and take on your challenge? Look at some of our hand-picked suggestions and find your place on #TeamYoungLives!