A YOUNG rugby fan from Berry Hill is taking on an endurance running challenge to help raise vital funds for a father living with an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.

Darcie Childs, who plays rugby for North Bristol RFC and is a passionate Gloucester Hartpury supporter, is fundraising for the Give Simon Time appeal, which supports Simon Cromack following his diagnosis with Glioblastoma.

Simon was diagnosed with a high grade, primary brain tumour on November 16, 2023, after noticing changes to his coordination and awareness.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, with limited treatment options available through the NHS and devastating survival statistics.

While the disease is incurable, Simon’s family is raising funds to access specialist treatments that are not currently available in the UK, but which have been shown to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life for some patients.

Darcie decided to get involved after being inspired by Simon’s daughter, Ella Cromack, who has previously raised significant funds through the rugby community.

Ella, who plays for Harlequins Women and England Under 20s, completed a 24 hour kicking challenge last year, aiming to complete 1,611 conversions in 24 hours, with the number representing the date of her father’s diagnosis.

Darcie has met Ella at several international matches and World Cup games and said seeing her determination over the summer motivated her to take on a challenge of her own.

Over the winter, Darcie committed to running the distance from her home in Berry Hill to Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, the home of English rugby. The challenge totals 124 miles across the month, averaging around four miles a day.

Speaking about her fundraising efforts, Darcie said: “I wanted to do something to help Give Simon Time. Rugby has always been a huge part of my life, and Ella’s challenge really inspired me to try and make a difference myself.”

She added: “Running to Allianz Stadium felt like the right challenge. Any donations mean the world to Simon and his family, and I am so grateful for all the support I have received.”

At the time of writing, Darcie has already completed a large proportion of the distance and surpassed her initial fundraising target, with further miles still to be completed before the end of the challenge.

Ella said the appeal is about giving her father the chance to enjoy more precious time with his family and experience moments that every parent should be able to share.

She said: “Help us give my dad time. We are raising money to extend his life so he can enjoy the important family moments every father should be able to experience.”

Ella explained that while Glioblastoma is incurable, there are additional proven treatments that can slow tumour growth and extend survival, including immunotherapy and Optune, a device that uses electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division.

Funds raised through the Give Simon Time appeal will go directly towards ongoing and future specialist treatments.