Avery Healthcare Superhero Raises Over £2,500 for Children With Cancer UK in Memory of Cousin

Charmaine Buckley, a devoted Carer and Medication Technician at Chorleywood Manor Care Home in Rickmansworth, recently showcased her indomitable spirit and commitment to a noble cause by participating in the TCS London Marathon.

In a heartfelt tribute to her late 10-year-old cousin, Stephen, who tragically lost his battle with neuroblastoma, Charmaine embarked on a journey to raise funds for Children With Cancer UK, ultimately amassing nearly £2,500 in donations.

Motivated by personal loss and a deep family connection to the cause, Charmaine’s determination to honour her cousin’s memory propelled her through the gruelling marathon training and fundraising efforts.

Charmaine, who has worked for Avery Healthcare for almost a year, stated, “Having lost my little cousin Stephen to neuroblastoma after fighting for his life for over five years, I felt like I wanted to push myself, raise money for a charity that means a lot to my family and make my cousin proud.”

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children. Around 100 children between the ages of zero and 14 years are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year in the UK.

Charmaine’s dedication to the cause extends beyond her cousin Stephen, as she shared, “Many of my family members carry a faulty BCRA1 gene, meaning I have lost many family members to cancer.”

Despite encountering setbacks, including a knee injury just 12 weeks before the marathon, Charmaine persevered. Supported by her community at Chorleywood Manor, the team put up posters and emails were circulated to residents and families to increase donations.

Charmaine continued, “I want to thank everyone at Avery Healthcare, our residents, their families, and the Chorleywood community. Your dedicated involvement exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and solidarity, and really showcases the collective commitment to making a meaningful difference in the fight against childhood cancer.”

Charmaine completed the TCS London Marathon in five hours and 40 minutes.

To donate to Charmaine’s Children With Cancer UK page, visit 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/charmaine-buckley