A YOUNG rugby fan from Berry Hill is taking on an endurance running challenge to help raise vital funds for a father living with an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.

Twelve-year-old Darcie Childs, who plays rugby for North Bristol RFC and is a passionate Gloucester Hartpury supporter, is fundraising for the Give Simon Time appeal, which supports Simon Cromack following his diagnosis with Glioblastoma.

Simon was diagnosed with a high grade, primary brain tumour on November 16, 2023, after noticing changes to his coordination and awareness.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, with limited treatment options available through the NHS.

While the disease is incurable, Simon’s family is raising funds to access specialist treatments that are not currently available in the UK, but which have been shown to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life for some patients.

Darcie decided to get involved after being inspired by Simon’s daughter, Ella Cromack, who has raised significant funds through the rugby community.

Ella, who plays for Harlequins Women and England Under 20s, completed a 24 -hour kicking challenge last year, aiming to complete 1,611 conversions in 24 hours, with the number representing the date of her father’s diagnosis.

Darcie has met Ella at several international matches and World Cup games and said seeing her determination over the summer motivated her to take on a challenge of her own.

Over the winter, Darcie committed to running the distance from her home in Berry Hill to Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, the home of English rugby. The challenge totals 124 miles across the month, averaging around four miles a day.

Speaking about her fundraising efforts, Darcie said: “I wanted to do something to help Give Simon Time. Rugby has always been a huge part of my life, and Ella’s challenge really inspired me to try and make a difference myself.”

She added: “Running to Allianz Stadium felt like the right challenge. Any donations mean the world to Simon and his family, and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received.”

Darcie has already completed a large proportion of the distance and surpassed her initial fundraising target, with further miles still to be completed before the end of the challenge.

Ella said the appeal is about giving her father the chance to enjoy more precious time with his family and experience moments that every parent should be able to share.

“My dad was the person who got me into rugby when I was eight or nine. He took me down to my first session and I've never looked back,” she added.

"Mentally, it makes it hard knowing that potentially every game could be one of the last games he watches, but it actually makes me want to play that much better knowing that.

"Every game I want to put my all into it and show him what I can do.

"Ever since he has received his diagnosis, I've just been blown away by his resilience and his fight to just keep going. Everyday it's about not letting this tumour win.

"I'm so proud of his fight and desire to keep going."

To help Darcie raise money to help Simon, go to gofundme and search for ‘Running the distance from Berry Hill to Allianz Stadium’.