A couple who lost their daughter to childhood cancer will be visiting zoos across the UK to fulfil one of her final wishes.
Gary and Joanne Venton will be travelling over 800 miles in two days in memory of their daughter, Chloë, who was just 15 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma — the second most common form of bone cancer in children and young adults.
Chloë, who tragically passed away in July 2020, had a deep love for elephants. Her dream was to visit as many elephants in the UK as possible, a wish that her parents, Gary and Joanne, intend to fulfil on Chloë’s behalf.
Starting the journey in their hometown, the Ventons will travel between zoos and parks across the country to visit the majestic animals — incorporating their daughter’s love for thrill, motorbikes, and elephants.
Their tour will include visits to renowned centres such as West Midlands Safari Park, Whipsnade Zoo and Chester Zoo, among others. Each visit is a step towards fulfilling Chloe’s dream of visiting the exotic creatures she adored, all whilst raising vital funds and awareness of Ewing sarcoma.
Reflecting on the tribute, Joanne shared:
“Chloë was an incredible young lady and her love for elephants was extraordinary. This journey is our way of keeping her spirit alive, honouring Chloë’s final wish, and doing something positive in her memory. Chloë would not want anyone else to suffer the way she has suffered so, by completing this challenge, we hope to make a difference for future patients.”
Louise Everett, Regional Relationship Manager at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, added:
“We are so grateful to Gary and Joanne for choosing to honour their daughter in such a special way and raise funds for research into Ewing sarcoma. Our vital work would not be possible without their support, and we would like to say a huge good luck to the Ventons for the upcoming challenge. Chloë would be so proud of everything you are doing in her name.”
Chloë’s journey began in December 2017 when she began to experience symptoms which were misdiagnosed by medical professionals.
After Chloë’s family insisted on further investigations, Chloë was eventually diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. She sat her GCSEs weeks later from her hospital bed whilst receiving chemotherapy.
Devastatingly, Chloë was later diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and leukaemia cutis. Despite further treatment, she tragically passed away in July 2020.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Chloë’s Fight with Ewings, a Special Fund of the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
The challenge coincides with Sarcoma Awareness Month, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of sarcomas, which have seen little improvements in treatments and survival rates for over forty years.
If you would like to show your support, please visit Gary and Joanne’s JustGiving page.