Daisy, 8, completes mammoth walking challenge in grandad’s memory for Cancer Research UK despite broken-wrist set-back

Daisy Fraser, 8, from East Herrington in Sunderland took part in the ‘Walk All Over Cancer Challenge’, walking 10,000 steps a day for 30 days to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

On Friday, August 28, the youngster completed her 30th and final day of the challenge – but it wasn’t all plain sailing.

Halfway into the challenge, Daisy suffered a broken wrist which required surgery and threatened to derail her hard work.

While Daisy’s accident may have delayed a caravan holiday with the family, the determined fundraiser was back on her feet in no time.

"I’m over the moon to have finished the 30 days, the experience was amazing,” Daisy told The Echo.

"It’s been quite tiring especially with a broken wrist but it’s been really fun. I love exploring, going off the tracks and into the woods and stuff like that, that’s been my favourite part!

"Having a cast on made it difficult because when you walk you usually swing your arms quite a bit so I was bashing it off my tummy so it was quite difficult to keep it still, but it didn’t hold me back!”

Daisy’s grandad, Tony – who sadly passed away from leukaemia before she was born – was a key source of inspiration for the fundraising effort which has raised almost £500 for Cancer Research so far.

“I just wanted to help people and do it for my grandad as well, I just really enjoy helping people and getting outside in the fresh air,” Daisy said.

And proud mum Claire added: "My dad had leukaemia and Daisy thought it would be a nice opportunity to do it in memory of her grandad.

"It was a source of inspiration even though she never got to meet her grandad, we always talk about him and he’s a prominent part of my children’s lives.”

Over the past month, Daisy has been going on daily walks across the region with her mum, little brother Louis and, subject to availability, dad Gary and nanna Lynda.

“With lockdown and all the restrictions, we've been doing a lot more walks to stay active and get out and about in the fresh air,” Claire explained.

“I saw the 'Walk All Over Cancer’ challenge and spoke to Daisy about it and she was really keen to do it and we’ve been walking all over the place.

“We suffered a set-back when we were due to go on holiday in our caravan and daisy stepped out of the caravan and the steps fell from under her and she landed badly on her arm.

"We ended up in hospital for a couple of days and she had her hand operated on to put it back into place.

“She was off her feet for a couple of days so I did the walks for those two days but because Daisy wanted to do the 30 days herself we ended up doing 32 including the two I did!”

To find out more about Daisy’s fundraiser and to donate, click here.

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