Plumpton Racecourse director Tom Savill and his best friend Joe Lush are undertaking an epic cycling challenge in memory of Tom’s sister Charlotte, who died from an aggressive form of liver cancer last August at the age of 22.
Tom and Joe will cycle 2,600km from Morocco to Plumpton Racecourse in Lewes over a three-week period to raise money to fund pioneering research into Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC), the disease which claimed Charlotte’s life.
Charlotte was diagnosed with FLC at the age of 21. Chemotherapy is largely ineffective against the disease which affects around one in five million people, mostly aged 13-25. Life expectancy after diagnosis is around one year.
‘Strength and courage’
“Charlotte showed such incredible strength and courage through everything she faced,” said Tom.
“No matter how many treatments and operations she had, or how tough things got, she never lost an ounce of her positivity.
“If she could go through all that, then Joe and I can certainly push through a couple of thousand kilometres on a bike.
“I made a promise to her that I would take on a challenge of this size and I know she’ll be there with me every step of the way.
“Even though she is my little sister, in so many ways, she is my hero. I am eternally proud of her and am determined to complete this challenge to support the research that could stop other families having to go through the same thing.”
Fundraising target
Tom and Joe are aiming to raise £25,000 to help fund pioneering research into finding a cure for FLC.
The pair will begin their challenge today (Sunday 26 October) and are aiming to finish on Monday 17 November, the Charlotte Saville Memorial Raceday which combines seven races with key fundraising for the Charlotte Savill Memorial Foundation.
The memorial raceday will feature a charity raffle with a top prize of a three-carat diamond which has been donated by Timothy Roe Jewellers, and an auction featuring prizes such as an African safari and a box at the Royal Albert Hall.
Racehorse shares
A racehorse purchased by Old Gold Racing will also be paraded on the day for visitors to buy shares in.
Peter Savill, Charlotte’s father and the owner of Plumpton Racecourse, will be making an address at the charity raceday in honour of his daughter.
For more information and to book tickets for the Charlotte Savill Raceday at Plumpton, click here.
Click here to donate to Tom and Joe’s fundraising challenge.
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