Reading dad raises £7k for Young Lives vs Cancer for his son

Andrew Mills was inspired to undertake the challenge on September 15 by his son Harry, who was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer at just nine years old.

The funds raised will go to Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity that supported Harry and his family throughout his treatment.

Harry, now 10, was diagnosed with bone cancer in July 2023.

Since then, he has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy treatment and a major operation. The surgery removed the tumour and most of his femur, tibia, leg muscle, and his knee.

Harry now has an implant in his leg that will need expanding as he grows.

Harry, along with his friends and family, have all completed various challenges and held events to help raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer throughout Harry's treatment, in his name.

Harry and a group of his friends from school all shaved their heads together, raising more than £40,000 for the charity, while friends and family have also taken part in bake sales, walking challenges, and running.

Harry Mills rings cancer bell (Image: Young Lives vs Cancer)

The latest challenge saw Mr Mills and eight friends cycling from London to Brighton, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, where the group raised more than £7,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Mr Mills said: "We wanted to continue to raise some money for the charity and I floated the idea about doing the London to Brighton bike ride, having become a novice cyclist during covid.

"A group of Harry's friends' dads jumped on the idea and were only too keen to join and raise some money.

"I didn't realise before I signed up that there is a nightmare of a hill towards the end (Ditchling Beacon) but I was determined to go up it without getting off, in my mind and my motivation was that with everything that Harry has had to endure I'm going to beat this hill."

Young Lives vs Cancer, is the UK’s largest charity for children and young people (0-25) with cancer and their families.

The charity's social workers help families face the emotional and financial impact of cancer, while their ten Homes from Home across the UK offer a free place for families to stay near to the hospital.

Liz, Young Lives vs Cancer fundraising engagement manager for Berkshire, said: "We want to say a massive thank you to Andy for taking on this incredible challenge and continuing their fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer.

"We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Andy Mills and his family enough for their fantastic efforts.

"Thanks to Andy, his amazing group of friends for taking on the challenge and to everyone who donated.

"Their support means Young Lives vs Cancer will be able to help even more young people with cancer to get the right support when they need it most."