WHY ARE WE FUNDRAISING?

Our wonderful Dad, Anthony Gears, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2003.

As a loving husband and father of five, a cherished friend to many, a talented musician and Head of Performing Arts at Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form - Dad faced an incredibly difficult journey.

Following his diagnosis, he was told that he might never be able to speak again - let alone sing.

Despite undergoing several major surgeries, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, Dad refused to let cancer define him. He returned to work, continued writing songs and recording his own music and went on to write and direct original musicals with his students.

His determination, creativity and passion for the arts and the kindness and compassion he had for others inspired everyone around him. Dad's sense of humour never disappeared. His ability to make people laugh and lift the spirits of those around him was a gift and remains a treasured memory for all who knew him.

Sadly, shortly after welcoming his first grandchild into the world, the cancer spread to his organs, and he passed away on 25th June 2010.

Dad was an advocate for The Mouth Cancer Foundation and in his memory we want to show our support for this amazing charity. The Foundation provides vital help and guidance to people affected by mouth cancer, throat cancer and other head and neck cancers. It also offers invaluable support to families, friends and carers navigating the challenges that come with these diagnoses.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

To commemorate 16 years since the passing of our Dad, the 5 Gears siblings will be taking on a trail half-marathon together on 20th September at Hamsterley Forest. Two sisters have never completed a half-marathon before, and while the other two have tackled the distance, they don't have any experience of trail running - so it promises to be a challenge for all of us. Then again, getting the four sisters together for anything comes with its own obstacles, as you can probably imagine!

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Every donation, no matter how small, helps the charity continue its important work and honours the legacy of a man who never stopped fighting, creating, inspiring others and making people smile. Please help us by sharing our fundraiser far and wide.

Thank you for your support.