A nine-year-old boy from Sheffield who has cerebral palsy and autism has raised over £137,000 for charity by walking two marathons. Tobias Weller, known as Captain Tobias, was cheered by hundreds of fans including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill as he used a walker to cover the 52 miles on the street of Abbey Lane. The money will be shared between Sheffield Children’s Hospital and the Paces special school where he attends. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill has been made a dame in the New Year Honours list. The thirty year old heptathlete received the award for her services to athletics. Dame Jessica, who won gold at London 2012 Olympics and silver four years later in the Rio Olympics announced her retirement from the sport in October. In her brilliant career she has been a three-time world champion three times, as well as European champion and Commonwealth champion. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake takes a look back at her golden career.
Karen Holmes, Vicky Brady, Catherine Anthony, Pam Dutton and John Hattersley from Weston Park Cancer Information and Support Centre
A “magical” torch-lit charity walk through some of Sheffield’s ancient woodlands is taking place in September – backed by Sheffield athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill.
The spectacular, torch-lit ‘Light the Night’ walk raises vital funds for the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity. Top fundraisers will have the chance to be photographed with Jessica.
Two dedicated members of staff at a local cancer support centre have already committed themselves to stride out on the walk, to say ‘thank you’ to the charity that supports their work.
Catherine Anthony, 60, and Vicky Brady, 51, who both work at the Weston Park Cancer Information and Support Centre, are taking part in the walk.
It will take place on the evening of Saturday September 28th at 6.30pm and will be started by Sheffield superstar athlete and charity patron, Jessica Ennis-Hill. The walk gives entrants the chance to ramble through the ancient woodlands of Sheffield’s Ecclesall Woods, along a 4.5km route suitable for both adults and children.
Catherine, the cancer information coordinator at the centre, was treated at Weston Park Hospital 11 years ago, when she underwent a course of radiotherapy to treat breast cancer; at the time she was working at the hospital as a therapy radiographer herself.
She said: “I’m incredibly passionate about doing what I can to help such a fantastic cause. I have been involved with Weston Park Hospital since 1970, and I was treated there myself, so I know first-hand how much of an asset it is to Sheffield and the surrounding region.
“Anything we can do to raise funds for the charity and support the hospital is vital. I can’t run a marathon, but I can walk the Light the Night route! I’ll be taking my family and friends along again this year – it was such a magical experience last time.”
The centre, which is located on Northumberland Road, provides information and guidance on issues including how to cope with stress and anxiety following a cancer diagnosis, how to care for someone with cancer and understanding grief.
Every year, Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity has to raise over £200,000 to support the vital work undertaken by the Cancer Information and Support Centre.
Vicky, a nurse who works as a cancer support coordinator, also took part in last year’s walk and is passionate about doing her bit for the charity as well.
She said: “The Light the Night walk is such a brilliant event on so many levels, and I’m proud to be taking part again this year. It’s a perfect opportunity to highlight the serious messages, but in an informal and positive way.
“It’s a truly magical experience, when it turns dark and our torches light the way. The atmosphere last year was electric, with people of all ages enjoying themselves. There’s a real sense of solidarity – we are all doing the walk for the same reason.”
Jessica Ennis-Hill, the London 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion, said: “Let’s make this a night to remember! I’m proud to be part of such a fabulous event, so please sign up for Light the Night today; join in and we’ll all have a great night raising money for a great cause!”
The charity is offering an opportunity of a lifetime for the top ‘golden’ fundraisers, who raise the most sponsor money, to have a photo with Jessica on the night. For more details, visit www.wphcancercharity.org.uk/light.
Sarah Cross, fundraiser for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, said: “We are thrilled that Catherine and Vicky are taking part in the Light the Night walk once again. It is a fantastic event, and we look forward to welcoming hundreds of supporters to take part in our magical night walk.”