Four-year-old cancer survivor from Aylesbury rocks his neighbourhood for charity

Emmett was diagnosed with Germ Cell cancer, which is a rare childhood cancer, in July 2018, when he was two-years-old. Emmett had surgery but also needed chemotherapy.

The treatment made Emmett sick but Amy and Emmett’s Dad, Kevin, were able to stay for free with Emmett in a nearby CLIC Sargent Home from Home so that the minute he became unwell, they could rush him in to be seen.

The 2.6 Challenge launched on Sunday 26 April 2020, on what should have been the day of the London Marathon. The challenge, which encourages supporters to complete a fundraising activity focused on the number 26, is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.

Due to the treatment Emmett was on, he was also prone to getting infections, so spent a lot of time at home in isolation. That’s when his love for painting stones first began.

Emmett has now been in remission for over a year, but his love for painting stones is as strong as ever. That’s why, when the 2.6 challenge was announced, Amy thought it would be a great way for Emmett to raise money while also lifting the spirits of his local community.

Amy says: “As he wasn't in pre-school, he really enjoyed painting rocks at home and when he started to get more energy, we started going for short walks locally and finding painted rocks. Our estate has a project to hide and collect them.”

As a result, Aylesbury residents are being encouraged to keep an eye out for 26 rocks and stones painted by Emmett, which he has placed around the neighbourhood as part of the challenge.

Meanwhile, Mum, Amy, will be running 26 miles throughout the week as well as doing 26 hops, jumps, bunny hops and 2.6km of skipping.

CLIC Sargent, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events due to COVID-19.


Luke Mallett, Director of Income and Engagement at CLIC Sargent said: “Cancer doesn’t stop for Coronavirus and the young cancer patients and families we support are facing a real crisis. Our services are on the frontline and have never been more needed. Families are not only having to worry about cancer but now Coronavirus too.

“CLIC Sargent will continue to fight to be here for those families but we urgently need funding to do that. We rely entirely on voluntary donations from the public but we are facing a staggering 60% drop in income which puts our ability to deliver these vital services at risk.

“We’re so excited to be part of the 2.6 Challenge and want to encourage as many of our supporters to take part. Whether it’s running 2.6 miles, baking 26 cupcakes or dancing for 2.6 hours – we can’t wait to see all the creative ways children and families get involved.

“A huge thank you to the Mass Participants Sports Organisers group and their partners for coming together to support CLIC Sargent and all UK charities, who are supporting the most vulnerable people in this crisis, to survive.”

The Make-a-Wish Foundation create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. You can find out more about them here: www.make-a-wish.org.ukTo sponsor Emmett and Amy as they take on the 2.6 challenge, visit their fundraising page here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AmyScullard