On 30th - 31st August 2024 a team of incredible people will be taking part in the 10,000 Runs Challenge in honour of George Rudd, a much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and friend who tragically lost his battle with Myeloma cancer in February 2021.

For those of you who knew George you’ll likely remember him as the handsome firefighter (nicknamed 'Gorgeous George') come Tree Surgeon or as a fierce sportsman with a wry smile - but he was so much more than this. George touched so many people in his short life, the true extent of which has only become apparent after his passing. As his brother, I am lucky enough to write with lived experience. George was my hero, he showed me unfaltering loyalty and love and he had my back like no other. He made me better in so many ways, be that through a scrap in the back garden or just simply by demonstrating how not to act as a rebellious teenager..! He was my big brother and I really miss him, we all do.

George strongly believed you were a world class cricket batsman if you scored 10,000 runs and so, to mark what should have been George’s 50th year and to make him world class we will be completing the 10,000 Runs challenge. 10,000 Runs will see us begin at our childhood club, Norwich Wanderers, at Barton Turf in Norfolk which is 226km (the equivalent of running 10,000 cricket runs) from Lords Cricket Ground in London. During the challenge an army of incredible friends and family over the two days will be relaying George’s bat from start to finish (think Olympic torch but better..!) after which we will burn the bat and create our own ‘Ashes’ so that we can have tournaments each year to keep George’s memory alive. Runners during the challenge will range from 3 years old (his youngest nephew that he never got to meet) to 80 years old (his dad).

His final battle with myeloma was not his only brush with cancer and, having beaten testicular cancer in his 20’s, George travelled to New York in 2011 to take part in the Tunnel to Towers run in honour of the late firefighter Stephen Siller. Siller died trying to save people in the 9/11 terror attacks on New York and George ran in full firefighting kit to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Even though he was again diagnosed with cancer in his early 40’s, he never once complained. The only time he ever got remotely worked up with cancer was when he would walk through the children’s cancer ward. George always felt that he had experienced life but he could never accept that children had to go through the same battles he faced. I understand why he chose Teenage Cancer Trust back in 2011 and why young people with cancer caused him so much pain. It feels only fitting then that we pledge all money raised during 10,000 Runs to Teenage Cancer Trust in George’s honour.

Every day, seven young people aged between 13-24 hear the words “you have cancer”. Each young person will need specialised nursing care and support to get them through this life shattering news. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to meeting this vital need, so that no young person faces cancer alone.

So please, give what you can and spread the word. Honouring George is so important, it keeps a little bit of him alive with us and we want to do him proud whilst we take on this challenge and with your help, we are confident we will.

Thank you in advance for supporting us – it really does mean a lot.

Team George