A teenager in Frome is taking on a daily running challenge and triathlon to help a charity which supported his family when his mum was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Finn Molloy, 16, is running 5 km every day throughout February ending with a triathlon to raise funds for We Hear You (WHY) – a cancer counselling charity in Frome.
Finn and his family received support from WHY when his mum, Kirsten, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. The challenge will mark two years since her treatment started.
“WHY supported my mum through her breast cancer journey at a time when life felt frightening and overwhelming,” said Finn. “Their counsellors gave her comfort and a place to feel safe, now I’m doing this challenge to give something back to the charity that helped her feel less alone. I am doing my own triathlon as there are none upcoming near me and you need to be 17+ to do an Olympic triathlon, so I will do my swim and run in Frome and cycle elsewhere.”
Finn, who is a student at Beechen Cliff School in Bath, said when his mum was diagnosed it bought ‘worry and uncertainty to the house.’
“No one quite knew what the next few months would look like,” he said. “Doctors moved quickly and in February she had her first surgery. It went as well as anyone could have hoped and only had a few difficulties, though the recovery left her tired and quiet for a while. Soon after came chemotherapy, which meant long days and nights were spent in hospital for her. Then radiotherapy meant regular appointments and new routines.
“The treatments fell hard on her; the fatigue, the appointments, the changes in how she felt from week to week. Even simple everyday tasks sometimes took more effort than they should have. It was difficult to watch someone so strong have to slow down, yet slowly things moved in the right direction.”
By raising the funds, Finn will contribute to WHY’s urgent fundraising appeal, to raise £55,000 by 31st March or face closure.
He said, “WHY supported my mum through her breast cancer journey at a time when life felt frightening and overwhelming. We Hear You provides free counselling and emotional care for people affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions. Without this funding, the help that so many rely on could be reduced or lost.
“If you’re able to donate or share this post, it would mean the world. Every bit of support helps this incredible charity continue their work.”
To support Finn’s challenge, visit his fundraising page https://www.gofundme.com/f/5k-a-day-for-why-in-honor-of-mums-cancer-journey
