A 13-year-old girl from Wilmslow was named Teen Fundraiser of the Year at the 2024 GoCardless Justgiving awards.
Maya Tohid completed a 100km personal running challenge – all whilst undergoing 24 sessions of radiotherapy treatment, raising over £10,000 on JustGiving for Young Lives Vs. Cancer.
In June 2023, at just 12 years old, Maya's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. Just days after her diagnosis, she underwent a brain surgery. The surgery successfully reduced the tumour size, but the doctors were not able to remove the tumour as it sits in a very delicate location in her brain so she needed proton beam radiotherapy to prevent further growth.
Maya said "While many would understandably focus solely on their recovery and treatment, I had a different plan. My radiotherapy treatment coincided with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September), inspiring me to embark on a challenging journey.
"At that time I decided to run 100km while receiving 28 sessions of tiring medical treatment to raise money for my chosen charity, Young Lives vs Cancer. This charity help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer.
"During the challenge, I faced rigorous treatment, facing extreme fatigue, and contending with numerous side effects, including headaches and nausea. But I persisted, declaring "I believe strong is the new beautiful and cancer has picked the wrong girl"."
Maya managed to run about 92km before becoming extremely unwell and being admitted to the hospital, where she underwent her second brain surgery. Not one to leave tasks unfinished, she asked her dad to step in and run the last 8 km on her behalf.
All in all, Maya has raised £10,651 for Young Lives vs Cancer during this challenge.
To can support Maya's fundraising efforts you can donate via her JustGiving page.
Photo: Maya accepting her award from presenters Faye Winter and Bradley Riches.
