Two graduates from the University of Nottingham who were brought together by the loss of their siblings have been fundraising for research into Ewing sarcoma.
The inspiring efforts of Liv Schurer, 23, and Maisy Ashton, 22, coincide with Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month — spotlighting the urgent need for increased support and research funding into adolescent cancers.
Their siblings, Liberty Schurer and Frank Ashton, both lost their lives when they were just 14 years old after facing recurrences of Ewing sarcoma.
Throughout April, Liv and Maisy have been participating in fundraising challenges to both raise awareness and increase research funding through Frank's Fund and Liberty's Legacy — two Special Funds of the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
"We know firsthand the devastation that Ewing sarcoma can cause, and we refuse to let our siblings' memories fade away," said Liv. "By raising funds for research, we hope to contribute to kinder, more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the disease that robbed Liberty and Frank of their futures."
Maisy added: "Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time to highlight the unique challenges faced by young bone cancer patients and their families. We want to honour Frank and Liberty by making a difference, so that fewer lives are destroyed by this cruel disease."
On 6 April 2024, Liv completed a Firewalk in her hometown of Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire. This was the latest in a whole host of fundraisers, from running the Vitality & ASICS 10k's and donating hair to jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet — not once, but twice!
The Firewalk challenge involved walking over red-hot embers in a test of endurance, bringing the total Liv has raised for Liberty's Legacy to over £6,000.
Liv shared:
This was perhaps one of my craziest fundraisers yet, but truly the perfect challenge to undertake in Liberty's memory, embodying the marvelously daring and brave soul my little sister was. Her final wish was that she was not forgotten and that we do everything in our power to ensure that no more children have to suffer in the way that she did; that no other families have to live with a missing piece of their hearts and future to such a cruel disease. Her ability to comprehend and communicate this at just 13 years old is still beyond me, and I could be prouder of her. I'm so grateful to everyone who helps continue her amazing legacy so that children of the future can benefit from better treatments. Every penny truly counts, with all the money going to fund research into Ewing sarcoma, in line with Liberty's last wishes.
Later in the month, Maisy Ashton put her best foot forward at the iconic London Marathon, running 26.2 miles and raising £9,772 for Frank's Fund.
Reflecting on her first-ever marathon, Maisy added:
Anyone who knows me will understand what a huge challenge this was, I am anything but a runner! After his operation, Frank told me how he dreamed of being able to run again, and watching his strength and courage as he began to do so was nothing short of inspiring. If Frank's death is to have any meaning at all, it needs to help people who are diagnosed in the future by raising funds that can be invested in much needed research. Because of this, the marathon seemed like the perfect option.
Laura Riach, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, commented:
As a community, we are in awe of Liv and Maisy's resilience and determination. Their selfless efforts to honour their siblings' memories and support vital research into the disease that cut their lives so tragically short is truly inspiring. On behalf of all future patients, their families, and all of us here at the charity, we would like to wish Liv and Maisy a heartfelt thank you.
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