Dad from Killamarsh to run 7 marathons in 7 days for charities supporting daughter during cancer treatment
Bradley was inspired to take on this challenge after his family were supported by the charities when his daughter, Freya, was diagnosed with an ‘orange-sized’ brain tumour at 3 years old
Bradley Ashman, 31 from Killamarsh, is running seven marathons in seven days through various Sheffield parks to raise funds for three charities: Young Lives vs Cancer, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer and their families, The Brain Tumour Charity, and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Dad Bradley was inspired to take on this challenge after his family were supported by the charities when his daughter, Freya, was diagnosed with an ‘orange-sized’ brain tumour at 3 years old, on Father’s Day in 2025.
Within four days of diagnosis, Freya had to have emergency brain surgery as the tumour was fracturing her skull. Since then, Freya has undergone several forms of treatment. Now, dad Bradley is running over 180 miles across seven days to give back to the charities who have supported him and his family.
Bradley said: “This year, the 15th of June 2026 is a Monday, and a year to the date we found out about Freya’s diagnosis. Father's Day is on Sunday 21st June 2026, with Father’s Day also being the day we found out, so this just made sense to me to run this challenge over this week, a week that will be engrained in our minds and hearts for the rest of our lives.”
"The team at Young Lives vs Cancer has been outstanding in their support they have offered to us as a family since Freya’s diagnosis. They're a fountain of knowledge providing us help and support in things we didn't know existed, from checking in, to advice, applying for grants or short breaks away on our behalf, to just being at the other end of the phone when we've had questions and have not known where to turn."
From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family. The charity provides accommodation close to hospitals where families can stay together during treatment for free, and grants to help families navigate the costs of cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer relies on charitable donations to fund their vital work supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families across the UK.
Last year across Yorkshire and the Humber, Young Lives vs Cancer helped over 540 of young people with cancer and families get the support they needed. On average, families of a child with cancer have to pay out £700 extra a month on extra costs such as travel to and from hospital, food and clothing. To help families cope with the costs of cancer, the charity gave out 251 financial grants to the value of £42,491 to young people and families across the region.
Krissa Ford, Young Lives vs Cancer Fundraising Engagement Manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical, and it’s felt by the entire family. From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family.
“We'd love to see as many people as possible get behind Bradley’s efforts. Their support means Young Lives vs Cancer will be able to help even more young people with cancer, like Freya, get the right support when they need it most.”
To support this incredible fundraising challenge, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bradleyashmanylvc