Dale Thomason

One week to go

One week from today, we start.

100 miles in October.

There’s no pretending that 100 miles in a month is easy. It’s a massive challenge, and to every single person who has joined Ethan’s Army, signed up, raised money, donated or shared our story, thank you. What this team has already achieved is incredible.

But over the last month, something has changed in me.

Because however difficult those 100 miles become, they are nothing compared with the battle these young people face every single day.

I’ve seen it first-hand now.

I’ve watched Ethan spend day after day isolated in one hospital room because infection is such a serious risk during treatment.

I’ve watched him go through chemotherapy, lumbar procedures, headaches, exhaustion and days when simply getting through the day is an achievement.

And there are moments from those hospital corridors that I don’t think will ever leave me.

The sound of a mum’s bellowing cry after losing her son.

You hear something like that and suddenly running another mile doesn’t seem so difficult.

It puts everything into perspective.

So when our legs hurt in October, when we’re tired, when it’s raining and when that next run is the last thing we feel like doing, remember why we started.

Remember Ethan.

Remember the young people sitting in hospital rooms right now.

Remember their mums, dads, brothers, sisters and families walking this road beside them.

We have a finish line after 100 miles.

For these young people, the finish line can feel a very long way away.

One week to go, Ethan’s Army.

We can do this.

Just remember who we’re running for. ❤️💙

ETHANS ARMY

Saturday Evening Update — Ethan’s Army ❤️💙

What a few days this has been.

Tonight, Ethan’s Army has passed £2,300 for Young Lives vs Cancer. We honestly cannot quite believe the support. The donations, shares, messages and love being shown to Ethan and our family have been incredible.

While all of that has been happening outside the hospital, Ethan has had a difficult couple of days inside it.

Since his lumbar injection and second round of chemotherapy, he’s been struggling with severe headaches and exhaustion. It’s been tough watching him go through it, particularly when there’s so little we can do other than be there beside him.

This evening the ward have given him more fluids, and thankfully he’s feeling better hydrated and a little more comfortable.

Through all of this, he keeps going. ❤️

And so will we.

When October arrives, 100 miles suddenly doesn’t seem quite so difficult. If Ethan can face what he’s facing, we’ll find a way to put one foot in front of the other for every single mile.

To everyone who has donated, shared Ethan’s story, joined the team or simply sent him some love   thank you.

£2,300 and climbing. And we haven’t even started running yet.

This is Ethan’s Army. ❤️💙

Ethan’s Army – Nearly £2,000 in 24 Hours ❤️💙

What an incredible first 24 hours.

Ethan’s Army has already raised nearly £2,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, and we’ve been completely blown away by the generosity, messages and support from everyone who has got behind us.

Thank you. Every donation, share and message means more than you know.

Ethan has now had his second batch of chemotherapy. He’s been suffering with headaches, but his spirits remain high and, most importantly, he wants to thank every single person supporting him and this charity.

Now it’s our turn to deliver.

100 miles throughout October — and we’re going to smash it. 💪🏃‍♂️

After every run, I’ll post an update on the challenge and, where appropriate, a little update on how Ethan is doing too. Hopefully, together we can raise a serious amount of money while also raising awareness of cancer in young people.

This started with Ethan. We’re running for every young person facing this fight.

Thank you from all of us. ❤️💙