Duo to run 412 miles across Britain for childhood cancer charity

This September, Matthew O’Connor and Joe Hughes will embark on the biggest physical and mental challenge of their lives, running 412 miles across Britain in just nine days to raise vital funds for childhood cancer charity, The Azaylia Foundation.

With a goal of raising £30,000, the incredible endurance effort from two of The Azaylia Foundation’s key community supporters will help the charity continue its vital mission of supporting children fighting cancer and standing beside their families during their darkest times.

Matthew O’Connor and Joe Hughes are running 412 miles across Britain in just nine days to raise vital funds for childhood cancer charity | Free to use

placeholder image — Matthew O’Connor and Joe Hughes are running 412 miles across Britain in just nine days to raise vital funds for childhood cancer charity | Free to use

Averaging nearly fifty miles a day, the gruelling route will see the pair stop at four children’s hospitals across the country. Along the way, Matthew and Joe will be bringing Jessie’s JoyJars to the UK for the very first time. The plastic jars filled with brand-new, age-specific toys, games, and activities are designed to bring joy and encouragement to children fighting cancer. By hand-delivering these jars directly to the hospital wards, they aim to deliver much-needed moments of joy, kindness, and comfort to children undergoing treatment.

8-month-old Azaylia Diamond Cain lost her battle to cancer in 2021 and why the charity was founded.

Their schedule of Joy Deliveries kicks off at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Saturday, September 19, before the pair head to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on Wednesday, September 23. The journey will then take them to the Oxford Children's Hospital at the John Radcliffe on Friday, September 25, before their final hospital visit at Birmingham Children's Hospital on Saturday September 26, before heading for the finish line.

Matthew O’Connor, commented: "We know how hard this is going to be. But when you know who you’re doing it for, stopping doesn’t feel like an option. We are running for the kids who can't, and every step is about making sure these families know they aren't alone."

The emotional nine-day journey will reach its climax at the West Midlands Safari Park, coinciding with The Azaylia Foundation’s fifth anniversary celebration. As Matthew and Joe cross the finish line, the charity will be marking a monumental milestone of five years of treatments funded, research backed, and families supported.

To celebrate both the anniversary and the completion of the challenge, attendees will be treated to live music from Sol and the Gang and Jason Allen. The event will also feature a special mural painted live by Mr Murals, alongside a host of entertainment for all the family.

Dominik Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of The Azaylia Foundation, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Matthew and Joe for taking on this phenomenal challenge. Fundraising like this is absolutely essential to our work. The awareness and funds raised from these extraordinary efforts are what allow us to continue making a difference, funding life-saving treatments, backing pioneering research, and being a pillar of support for families navigating childhood cancer."

Every donation raised will go directly to The Azaylia Foundation to help further their impact. To support Matthew and Joe on their incredible journey and leave a donation, visit their GoFundMe page at: https://gofund.me/cea9ac8ed

For more information about the charity and its fifth-anniversary celebrations, visit: https://theazayliafoundation.com/.