Two sisters from Frome and a team of friends have raised over £3,000 for a local cancer support charity by cycling from Frome to the Royal United Hospital (RUH), and completing equivalent laps of the Old Showfield.
Esme Spicer, seven, and Olivia Spicer, 12, took on the challenge alongside friends and dads to raise funds for the charity that supported Esme when she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a type of sarcoma cancer that affects the skeletal muscles – in August 2021, just before her fourth birthday.
The money raised will go to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, a small charity run entirely by volunteers which supports the work of cancer services at the RUH in Bath.
“They do brilliant things for both children’s and adult cancer care in Bath and the surrounding areas,” said the girls’ mum, Anne Spicer. “This includes funding a paediatric oncology nurse who can visit children in the community so they can spend more time at home just being children.”
With the support of the charity, Esme’s treatment has included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery at the RUH and Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Dodging rain and thunderstorms, Olivia cycled from Frome to the RUH on Saturday 7th June with her dad Ben, and friends Tabby Harris, Eva Harvey, Leah Pitman and their dads Stephen Harris and Dan Harvey.
“Olivia decided she wanted to cycle to the RUH from Frome – a route her sister travels frequently to receive treatment,” explained Anne. “The ride included some punctures, some falls and a lot of singing to keep spirits up. They completed it with the support of parents, siblings and even help from random strangers along the way.”
The next day, Sunday 8th June, Esme completed her challenge by scooting the equivalent distance of the cycle around the Old Showfield, joined by her friends Joel Webb, Evie Ives, Olivia McDonald and Elise Harrison.
“They did five laps each, which worked out at about four miles per child – although to be honest, they were so excited they did about seven laps each,” said Anne. “They were supported by siblings and family members throughout and did it all with the most amazing enthusiasm. They were so happy and proud to do something that could give back to the hospital and people helping children and adults with cancer.”
Anne said, “This would be an incredible space for children to have chemotherapy, which is often a gruelling process for everyone involved – although hospital staff do try their best to make it as stress-free as possible.
“Any money raised to support this amazing charity and help families like ours would be amazing. The RUH Bath and Bristol hospital teams have been fantastic to Esme and to us as a family – and have ultimately saved Esme’s life.”
To support the sisters’ fundraising, visit: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/spicer-girls
