100 miles for Hannah: Going the distance

For most people, clocking up 100 miles in just 12 hours would be an extraordinary test of physical endurance. For Gareth Cornock, every mile represents something far more personal. It represents a journey his family knows all too well.

When his niece Hannah was diagnosed with cancer as a baby, life changed in an instant for everyone who loved her. What followed was a devastating and deeply traumatic period, filled with hospital visits, gruelling treatments, uncertainty and the unimaginable emotional strain of watching a young child face such a battle.

Hannah's diagnosis meant travelling a staggering 100 miles to receive treatment. A journey no family should ever have to make, and one that has stayed with Gareth ever since. Now, he is determined to turn that difficult chapter of his family's life into something positive.

On Saturday 21 November, Gareth will take on a relentless 12-hour gym challenge at Foundation Fitness, aiming to cover 100 miles using a combination of gym equipment. It will be a huge test of physical and mental endurance, but for Gareth, the motivation behind every mile is what will keep him going.

During Hannah's treatment, PACT (Parents Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia) provided invaluable support to Hannah and her parents, helping them navigate an incredibly difficult time. Having that support made a significant difference to the family, easing some of the pressures and ensuring they didn't have to face everything alone.

Meanwhile, Club Doncaster Foundation was there for Gareth and his family, supporting their wellbeing during a period that took an enormous emotional toll. Gareth speaks fondly of the Foundation's staff and credits much of his own mental strength and resilience to the support he received from them.

Now, Gareth wants to give back to the two organisations that stood alongside his family when they needed it most, helping ensure other families and individuals can access the same vital support.

Louise Power, Fundraising & Events Officer at Club Doncaster Foundation, said:

"We are incredibly grateful to Gaz for taking on such an incredible challenge in support of Club Doncaster Foundation and PACT. Knowing the personal story behind his motivation makes this even more special, and we cannot thank him enough for choosing to give back in this way.

"Fundraisers like Gaz are integral to everything we do. The money raised through the generosity and determination of people in our community helps us reach vulnerable individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to access the support they need. Quite simply, without our fundraisers, we wouldn't be able to do what we do.

"To know that the support Gaz and his family received from our team has stayed with him and inspired him to take on this challenge is incredibly moving. We will be behind him every step of the way."

Completing 100 miles in just 12 hours will be no mean feat. There will be exhaustion, physical discomfort and moments when the finish line feels a long way away. But Gareth knows that whatever challenges he faces in the gym, they are nothing compared to the journey Hannah and the family faced following her diagnosis.

This challenge is driven by love, gratitude and a desire to give back to the two charities that stood by his family during their darkest days, helping ensure they can continue to provide that same vital support to others facing their own battles.

You can read more about Gareth and Hannah's story and support his fundraising challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/going-the-distance-100-miles-for-hannah. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Club Doncaster Foundation and PACT continue their vital work supporting people and families across our community.

If you’d like to learn more or are interested in fundraising for the Foundation, please contact louise.power@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk.