LEJOG 1,000+ Miles. One Son. Two Charities. One Hell of a Reason

In June 2025, our lives were turned upside down when our son, Shôn, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

At the time, Shôn was living his best life at the University of Liverpool, studying law and loving every minute of it.

Almost overnight, that normal student life disappeared. He became seriously unwell and was suddenly thrust into a world of hospital wards, tests, pain, and uncertainty.

Following his diagnosis, Shôn underwent multiple biopsies and operations before beginning an aggressive course of chemotherapy.

Sadly, his body reacted horrendously to the treatment. Over the following months, he faced complication after complication, including COVID-19, chemical meningitis, and severe back problems. Shôn spent four months in hospital, fighting battles no young person and no parent should ever have to face.

Those months were some of the hardest our family, and our friends, have ever experienced. Watching someone you love suffer while feeling completely powerless is something that stays with you forever.

Through it all, Shôn showed incredible strength, resilience, and determination.

To give something back and to honour everything Shôn has endured on 6th May 2026, I, Dave, Shôn’s father, will be joined by two of my closest mates, Marc and Martin (his godfather), who willingly volunteered to take on an epic challenge with me.

Together, we will cycle 1,000+ miles, self-supported and self-funded, from Land’s End to John O’Groats one of the toughest cycling routes in the UK.

This ride will push us physically and mentally, but it is nothing compared to what Shôn has already faced. Every mile we ride is for him and for every young person and family affected by cancer.

We are doing this to raise money for two incredible charities who supported us not just as individuals, but as a family, during the most difficult time of our lives and who continue to support us today.

💛 Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (Teenage & Young Adult Unit)
The Clatterbridge TYA team supported Shôn with outstanding care, compassion, and understanding. They truly understand the unique challenges faced by teenagers and young adults with cancer, and their support has meant more to us than words can express.

💛 Young Lives vs Cancer
Young Lives vs Cancer were there when we needed them most providing practical help, emotional support, and reassurance when everything felt overwhelming. Their work makes a real, tangible difference to young people with cancer and the families walking alongside them.

This ride is our way of saying thank you and of helping ensure other families receive the same care, kindness, and support that carried us through our darkest days.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help these charities continue their vital work.

All donations will be shared equally between Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer.

If you’re able to donate or even just share this page or QR code we would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read Shôn’s story and for supporting us in this challenge.

Dave 🩷🚴