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In memory of the beautiful Orla Tuckwell who sadly passed away from a rare paediatric brain tumour in August 2023, and support charity works in her name, I will be participating in the Fan Dance Winter Edition 2026.
The Fan Dance is a 24km soldiering time trial with 20KG of weight staged across the highest peak in the formidable Brecon Beacons. This particular test is one of the speed marches that takes place bi-annually on the SAS & SBS Selection course every summer and winter. Whilst not considering a new profession in the forces… (😱) it is an opportunity to perform an authentic and special experience that will enable me to test myself, whilst trying to contribute in some small part to the amazing work that Orla’s parents, family and friends are doing on behalf of her memory, and children like her every day!
While I know this will be a tough challenge, I feel inspired by the bravery and courage that Orla showed when faced with her own challenges at such a young age. Orla was an amazing child who faced so much adversity in such a short space of time, but she was and will continue to remain an inspiration to so many of us.
Your contributions will help us combat childhood cancer and raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital's ‘Build it, Beat it’ campaign which is raising funds for a new children's cancer centre.
It’s hard to describe what Orla went through during her treatment, and even harder to explain how amazing, strong and courageous she was, but one thing is clear and that is Orla would not have got through half of it, if it wasn’t for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Great Ormond Street Hospital saved Orla's life on three separate occasions and gave her the best chance of surviving this horrible disease. The new children's cancer centre will offer new facilities and technology to patients, new research capabilities, dedicated critical care units and so much more.
All money raised for this challenge will go towards helping the Great Ormond Street Children's Charity fund this ambitious project.
Orla’s family are working in conjunction with the Great Ormond Street Children's Charity and are aiming to raise £100K over the next 2-3 years to go towards a patient/family room in the New Children’s Cancer Centre in memory of Orla. Each room will cost roughly £350K, so a contribution of this size will make a massive difference.
On behalf of myself and all who knew and loved Orla, thank you so much for your support ❤️
To read more about Orla's journey please read the below:
https://braintumourresearch.org/blogs/in-our-hearts/orla-tuckwell