A young adult from Olney has raised more than 15 times her intended fundraising target by taking on a variety of challenges.
Hannah Bowden, who was supported by CLIC Sargent and MOVE during her cancer treatment at the age of 23, started with the aim of raising £230 but with support from her friends and local community, she has raised an incredible £3,605.
Hannah, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, was overwhelmed by the support available during her treatment and decided to fundraise for the two charities who she says have been instrumental in helping her throughout treatment and with her post-treatment rehabilitation. “I made a promise to myself that, when I was better, I would begin a life of fundraising as my way of giving back,” Hannah said.
She explains: “Soon after my diagnosis, my social worker Peggy, facilitated access to the CLIC Sargent grant which goes towards covering the additional financial costs of a cancer diagnosis, put me in touch with a girl in the same county with a similar diagnosis (we still chat now), and regularly checked in to see how I was doing.
“CLIC also run a private Facebook group for other young adults diagnosed with cancer, which I was able to join. This provided comfort, knowing I was not alone in what I was facing. Finally, during the height of lockdown/ shielding, I was able to access online events/workshops such as one about lino cutting, which was great for providing some structure to my days.”
Given the current COVID-19 situation, Hannah says: “I wanted to create a fundraiser which would encourage people to donate outside of my own network and also create a sense of community during a time which often feels isolating and mentally challenging.”
Hannah committed to 23 daily challenges and then invited friends to join her by undertaking their own challenge. To her surprise, many people came forward, pledging to undertake challenges such as runs, walks, sit-ups, cycles and more varying from 2.3 to 23km.
Hannah adds: “It is almost impossible to express the gratitude I feel towards those who supported me in time and energy by undertaking a ‘23’ challenge and by those who gave financially. A special thanks to Woughton Leisure Centre and The Chequers, North Crawley for making the ‘23’ triathlon, carried out by Lewis and Jim, possible. I cannot thank you all enough nor tell you how much it means to me and the two incredible charities which have made such a positive impact in my life and will continue to do so in the lives of other children and young adults diagnosed with cancer.”
Last year in Buckinghamshire, CLIC Sargent supported 74 number of families, giving out 58 financial grants to the value of 13,170 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.
Alina Kairi, CLIC Sargent Fundraising Engagement Manager for Buckinghamshire, added: "When cancer strikes young lives we fight tirelessly to limit the damage it causes beyond their health. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Hannah enough for her fantastic efforts and enthusiasm getting everyone in town involved, it’s all very much appreciated especially now when we are all impacted financially as a result of the pandemic. Thanks to Hannah and everyone who donated, we will be able to help even more young people thrive not just survive after their cancer diagnosis.”
