Tipton cancer survivor tees up for fundraiser
A golf mad Tipton schoolboy who has survived cancer is adding a new activity to his home-school timetable.
Tom Griffiths, aged 11, was straight out of the blocks to support a boredom-busting initiative from Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Schools.
After being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2013 aged only four, Tom finally finished treatment and rang the bell in 2016 and has gone from strength to strength, taking part in numerous fundraising challenges including Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids.
A recording of the Year 6 Tividale Community Primary School boy was due to be heard by the crowds in the minutes before the region’s Race for Life events this summer, but with the popular fundraising events currently on hold due to Covid-19, Tom decided to get into the spirit in his own back garden.
His love of the sport inspired him to respond to Cancer Research UK’s DIY sports day idea by setting up his own crazy golf challenge.
Mum Emma Griffiths said: “I know the right treatment saved Tom’s life, and those treatments only exist because of all the research that has been done in the past. That’s why funding vital cancer research will always be important.
“So many families like ours are affected by cancer, so I hope others will help the cause. Charities like Cancer Research UK will be hit hard by the current situation, but we can all play a part – no matter how big or small – in supporting life-saving work right now.”
Tom added: “I really enjoyed doing the recording of my story to be played at Race for Life, so it’s a bit of a shame it won’t be happening this summer. But my message to everyone is still the same, and I hope lots of kids and parents will hear it and be inspired to support Cancer Research UK."
The pack is free to download, with the option for families to make a small donation to Cancer Research UK if they feel able to do so.
