A muddy obstacle course fundraising event has raised over £4200 this week for Gold Geese, a local charity supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

Fifty-three intrepid fundraisers took part in the 2k Nuclear Races event in Brentwood which saw them swinging on ropes across muddy ponds, climbing through tunnels, jumping across giant lily pad pontoons and scaling rope ladders, ending with a steep ‘Death Slide’ into a pool of muddy water.

Gold Geese founder, Katie Southgate, said:

“We’re here for every local family affected by childhood cancer, thanks to the generosity of our amazing fundraisers and community.

“A huge thank you to everyone who gave up their sunny Sunday Bank Holiday morning to join us, get muddy and have fun, we really appreciate your support.

You can donate to Gold Geese via text. Text GOLD followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70580 (for example, GOLD 50 to donate £50). Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

• A donation of £20 could provide toys or comfy new pyjamas for a child with cancer staying in hospital
• £45 funds an hour’s counselling session for a bereaved family
• £280 funds a memorial bench for a child who has passed away
• £400 funds a big end of treatment celebration for friends and family
• £700 covers the cost of a weekend away for a family to offer respite

For more information about the charity or to learn the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer visit www.goldgeese.org.

About Gold Geese:

• As well as offering families support, Gold Geese also raises awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms, including delivering training workshops to childcare practitioners and parents.
• Gold Geese receives no Government funding and relies on community donations for its work.
• The charity was founded by Katie Southgate in 2018, following her child’s cancer diagnosis. Understanding the impact of a diagnosis, Katie set up the charity to help other local families in the same situation. Her child is now cancer-free.
• Our slogan is We Fly Together, because Geese are a team and no one is left behind. #weflytogether #goldgeese
• Contact us at goldgeese.org; facebook.com/goldgeesecharity; instagram.com/goldgeese

About childhood cancer [taken from www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk]

• Children’s cancer is much less common than adult cancer.
• In the UK around 1,900 children (aged 0 – 14 years) get diagnosed with cancer each year. This number includes non cancerous (benign) brain tumours.
• Children develop different types of cancers than adults but they often have the same types of treatments.
• Cancer symptoms can be similar to those of other childhood illnesses. For signs and symptoms visit goldgeese.org.
• If you have any concerns about your child’s health contact your doctor. Gold Geese staff are not medically trained.