Auchinloch’s brave Callum (10) is a great sport to help fellow patients beat cancer


The 10-year-old from Auchinloch near Lenzie, has dedicated a DIY sports day in his back garden to his gran Joyce, who is now fighting the disease.
Missing out this year on a sports day at school, Callum has completed challenges including an egg and spoon race, a 100m sprint, and a balancing act with a beanbag.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey are all fun activities included in a new Cancer Research UK Race for Life Schools free kit packed full of tips, ideas and materials to help boost the home-school timetable during lockdown.
The charity is calling on families across Scotland to get involved and make a small donation to Cancer Research UK for the sports day pack, if they feel able to do so.
Callum, his mum Victoria (42) and dad Colin (44) are keen to ensure the fight against cancer can continue during the pandemic.
Callum has already raised more than £1,500 through the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids event in Glasgow in just three years.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNow he’s dedicated his latest lockdown sports day challenge to his gran, Joyce Leith, who is being treated for breast cancer.
Victoria said: “Callum is a caring wee boy and really close to his gran. He jumped at the chance to do something to help her and everyone who is going through cancer.
“All Callum ever wanted was to be a normal boy again after cancer. In fact even during cancer treatment Callum was still determined to be part of the school community and take part in sports day. We were proud he awarded the prizes on the sports field that year during a time when he was in a wheelchair. That took courage.
“And every year since, Callum has taken part in sports day at school. Last year he came in third in the running race which was great.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“The whole world has been turned upside down by Covid-19 and I think most of the youngsters in Scotland will feel sad about missing school sports day this spring. It’s been a difficult few months so it’s good to have something fun to focus on.
“Charities like Cancer Research UK will be hit hard by the coronavirus, but we can all play a part – no matter how big or small – in supporting life-saving work right now.”
Auchinloch Primary pupil Callum was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a race cancer that affects particular types of muscle cells in February 2016. He had surgery then relied on a wheelchair to get around after 22 weeks of chemotherapy left him too weak to walk. But he fought back to fitness and rang the end of treatment bell at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in October that year after being given the all clear.
The Race for Life Schools sports day pack is aimed at primary school children. It is suitable for families and teachers who might be setting activities for PE lessons at home or caring for children in school.
To find out more or get involved visit raceforlife.org/sportsday.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.