2 weeks Ago
A determined 12-year-old has pledged to run a mile every day for a year in memory of her late uncle. Esmé Robinson, from Bolton , began her challenge on 20 July 2024, what would have been her Uncle Andrew’s birthday, to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research . Andrew, who worked as an art teacher in Huddersfield, died from a brain tumour 10 years ago.
He was diagnosed at just age 25 with a high-grade pontine glioma, an aggressive and inoperable tumour in his brainstem. Although he was initially given just six weeks to live, Andrew fought for 21 months, during which he married his long-time partner, Rachel. (Image: Press) Despite undergoing intensive radiotherapy, Andrew died in 2014 at the age of 27.
READ MORE: Bolton Council increases threshold for gifts to £50 Fly tipping incident on Astley Bridge under investigation Pensioner fined £200 for parking in Bolton town centre Esmé’s mother, Liz, 41, recalls how much Andrew adored his niece. She said: "Andrew couldn’t wait to be an uncle and was ecstatic to meet Esmé. “Although she was very young when he died, she’s seen funny photos of her chasing him in his wheelchair and knows how much he meant to our family.
“This challenge is her way of keeping his memory alive.” The idea was sparked when Esmé found one of her uncle’s old T-shirts, bearing the phrase “I will run a year,” inspiring her to follow in his footsteps. (Image: Press) She said: “Every time I run, I think about how I’m helping others, and that keeps me motivated.
“I want to make a difference and bring happiness to people around me, just like Uncle Andrew did." Following in her mother’s footsteps, who previously ran 652 miles in memory of Andrew to match the number of days he fought his tumour, Esmé hopes her efforts will inspire others. She adds: “There are days when I’m tired or the weather’s bad, but then I remember how hard Uncle Andrew fought.
“If he could go through all of that and still stay positive, I know I can push myself to finish my mile every day. I want to keep going for him.” Esmé’s challenge is inspirational to countless others affected with similar stories.
Brain Tumour Research is inviting supporters to join 99 Miles in November , a challenge that participants can complete at their own pace and in their own way to help fund the fight against brain tumours. Each day’s 3.3 miles (or 8,250 steps) can be achieved by walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, or any other activity.
(Image: Brain Tumour Research) Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are deeply grateful to Esmé for her courage and commitment. “Her dedication to running every day in honour of her uncle will shine a light on a disease affecting 16,000 people in the UK each year. “Esmé’s efforts will help us in our mission to secure greater funding for research into brain tumours, and we thank her for inspiring others through her challenge.
” A link to Esme’s fundraiser can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/page/esme-robinson-1721414314024.
