100-mile trek by teacher and child for rare cancer research

Fiona Harper, a primary school teacher from Lowestoft, along with her nine-year-old son Arthur, plans to traverse the South Downs Way in Sussex to raise funds for Sarcoma UK.

Her husband, Jack, died at 38 after a two-year battle with angiosarcoma, a cancer that makes up a mere 0.05pc of total cancer diagnoses.

Mr Harper's devastating journey began in 2020 with a diagnosis of heartburn by his GP, which later escalated into the discovery of a fist-sized tumour on his heart, necessitating open-heart surgery and subsequent chemotherapy.

Fiona Harper, a primary school teacher from Lowestoft will be taking on the challenge with nine year old son, Arthur (Image: Submitted)

His wife said: "Jack was so brave from the beginning.

"He told us, 'I'd rather it be me than any of you'."

The family's fight didn't end with Mr Harper's death as Mrs Harper and their two children, Arthur and Agnes, now aim at raising awareness and funds for research into the rare disease.

Mrs Harper said: "This is personal for me and my children.

"We want to do anything we can to raise awareness and funding that might help research into this disease so other families don't have to go through what we have been through."

The trail begins in Winchester, Hampshire on Saturday, July 20, with the hope to conclude in Sussex on Sunday, July 28.

Jack, died at 38 after a two-year face-off with angiosarcoma (Image: Submitted)

The duo will be accompanied by members of their family on their mission.

An enthusiastic endorsement was expressed by Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Sarcoma UK's director of communications and fundraising.

She said: "Fiona’s courageous efforts shine a light on the critical need for improved awareness and diagnosis of rare cancers like angiosarcoma.

"Fiona’s walk honours Jack’s memory and contributes to our mission of ensuring that no one faces sarcoma alone."

Donations can be made by visiting gofundme.com and searching South Downs Way 100 mile walk for Jack.