Northampton football coach to run ultramarathon to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for 10-year-old player with rare cancer
A children’s football coach from Northampton is set to run an ultramarathon in just two days to raise money for one of his 10-year-old players with a rare and aggressive type cancer.
In November, parents Sophie and Kie Fewster from St Crispin’s were told the devastating news that their 10-year-old son Ezra had a rare, aggressive type of leukaemia.
Since then, Ezra, who plays football for Blisworth and rugby for Bugbrooke, has been undergoing weeks of chemotherapy in hospital.
Now, his one-to-one football coach, Kieren Westbury, is setting off on a mammoth two-day run to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium – the team Ezra supports – in a bid to raise money and awareness.
Starting at Sixfields Stadium at 8am on Saturday May 17, Kieren will head south through the heart of the countryside and towns, with a well-earned halfway stop at the Premier Inn in Luton. From there, the journey continues toward the finish line at the Emirates Stadium – a total of 67 miles over two days.
Kieren, aged 27, said: “Ezra is one of the young boys whom I have the pleasure of coaching. Ezra’s kindness is evident in his everyday actions. He is one of the most dedicated and kind-hearted young boys I know. He's a true gem both on and off the field.
“As I prepare for this challenge, I am inspired by the strength and resilience that Ezra demonstrates daily. Every step I take will be in support of him and his family, and every penny raised will go directly to supporting their needs during this challenging time.
“My road ahead will be a tough one, but it’s nothing compared to what Ezra is facing.”
On Ezra’s condition, Kieren said: “He’s done both rounds of chemotherapy. He’s had his transplant. He’s at home now. It’s still a waiting game and he’s got a long way to go, but he’s doing well.”
So far, Kieren’s JustGiving page has raised £2,600 of a £3,000 target from 118 supporters.
He added: “Your generosity will help alleviate some of the financial burdens that Ezra's family is facing, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: supporting Ezra through his treatment and recovery. Together, we can make a difference in Ezra's life and show him that he is not alone in this fight.”
Click here to donate.
A previous GoFundMe was set up late last year, which has seen an incredible £61,000 raised so far for the Fewsters to help them on their journey.
Ezra’s football club, Blisworth FC, and rugby club, Bugbrooke RFC, are also planning charity events this year.