Northampton football coach to run ultramarathon to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for 10-year-old player with rare 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.