‘We can’t bring Lochlan back but we can do this’
RESEARCH
THE father of brave Lochlan Peckham, who passed away last year aged just eight, is to tackle a 53-mile run from his home to the Newcastle hospital which cared for his son.
Ross Peckham plans to run from Marske-by-the-sea near Redcar to the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle. The route will take him past the spot where his son is buried.
He is raising funds for two charities which support brain tumour research – Children’s Cancer North and Brain Tumour Research.
Lochlan was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour, a highgrade glioma, in the summer of 2019. For almost two years he endured surgery, hospital visits and months of gruelling treatments.
He died in May 2021, but is remembered as a real-life superhero who never failed to stop smiling and making people laugh throughout his treatment.
Ross, 43, said he hoped the fundraising effort in June would ensure that something positive came from of Lochlan’s death and that it would support much-needed research into brain tumours. He said: “It is almost a year since Lochlan passed away and the pain remains very raw for all of us.
“There is nothing we can do to bring Lochlan back, but we can try to raise money for, and awareness of, the research that is so desperately needed into this devastating illness.
“While there is a great deal of awareness about cancer generally, that is frequently not the case with certain types of brain tumours. While rare, these can be devastating forms of cancer that often, as in Lochlan’s case, prove fatal.
“It is essential that more is done to fund research in this area and to support the vital work of the teams at hospitals such as the Great North Children’s Hospital.”
Ross hopes that some of the team who cared for Lochlan during his time at the Great North Children’s Hospital will be on hand to greet him when he arrives at the hospital after his epic run. Some of the staff have even volunteered to join the run for the last few miles.
Ross will be accompanied throughout by Andrew Hebden, whose fiancée Dr Rebecca Hill was Lochlan’s lead consultant. Although Ross only took up running a few years ago, he said that pounding the miles around the countryside near his home had helped him to deal with the devastating loss.
He has undertaken some smaller fundraising challenges, but nothing on this scale.
“I am sure it is going to be an immense challenge and we don’t underestimate it at all. But knowing we are raising money for such vital work, and in Lochlan’s name, will spur us on,” he said.
Lochlan’s mum Sonia and younger sister Faith, eight, will be part of the support team, providing refreshments and vocal backing on route.
Sonia said: “When your child is diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer you are left with little control. All you can do is ensure that they live their best life while they are here
and receive the best care and treatment.
“We cannot thank enough the whole hospital team who cared for Lochlan. They become part of your family for a short while. So being able to give something back and to continue those connections is priceless.
Dr Hill said: “It was a true privilege meeting Lochlan and being part of the team who cared for him.
“He was a joy to look after, and I will always miss his infectious smile and the jokes he used play on our medical students!”
Andrew, 42, said: “It has been great to get to know Ross and start training with him. I am keen to do my bit and help with the fundraising effort, as well as providing Ross with some support as we undertake this challenge together.
“Although we’ve both run marathons before, this is a run on a different scale. It’s going to be really tough but we’re both determined to complete it for such a great cause.”
Children’s Cancer North commits around £450,000 annually to fund
research into childhood cancer at Newcastle University’s Centre for Cancer.
Spokesperson Heather Peacock said: “We simply cannot commit to this level of funding without our fundraisers, and whilst 80% of children survive their cancer diagnosis there are still around 20 children in our region each year who don’t. It’s an unimaginable thought, but one that this family is bravely having to face.
“We wish Ross and Andrew the very best of luck with their challenge and will be there to cheer them over the line.”
Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Too many families are being ripped apart by this devastating disease. It’s only with the support of people like Ross and Andrew that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours, improve options and outcomes for patients - and ultimately find a cure for all types of brain tumours.”
Ross and Andrew have set a £10,000 fundraising target on justgiving.com (‘Runforlochlan’).
DAD TO DO 53-MILE RUN TO AID BRAIN TUMOUR