Gems Shining Lights Team of Seventeen signed up for the Jurassic Coast Challenge in May

Rachel and Stuart Fay from West Grimstead, Salisbury, and fifteen other friends of the family have joined together as a team, “Gems Shining Lights” once again to take part in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge on the 16th May 2026.

The team of seventeen are taking on the 25km challenge in memory of Gemma Fay.

Gemma was diagnosed in 2020 with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer in her hip, in September 2020. Gemma’s treatment included a hip replacement, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a clinical trial.  

Incredibly sadly, Gemma passed away in July 2023, aged 25.

For Dad Stuart, this will be his fifth time taking on the Jurassic Coast Challenge, having previously walked all the other options: 25km, 58km, 76km,, and 100km. This will be the third time Rachel has tackled the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge.

Stuart and Rachel Fay have raised over £50,000 to help others in Gemma's name, for Young Lives vs Cancer, Sarcoma UK, Youth Cancer Trust, and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Gemma's parents, Rachel and Stuart, said: " Gemma loved the outdoors and being by the sea and was there supporting Stuart when he undertook the 100km challenge in 2023, meeting him at some of the rest stops along the route and cheering him on at the finish line. Gemma really has left a mark on the world with her positivity and being a shining light to everyone she met.

"Her mantra was to 'Live more and love more' from the Cat Burns song, which is something we are determined to continue. Gemma is always with us, whatever we do, and we know she will be cheering us on once again.

"The reason we are supporting Young Lives vs Cancer as this was one of Gemma’s chosen charities. We were able to stay in one of their 'Homes from Home,' and their social workers, Marc and Julia, provided support throughout her diagnosis and treatment.”

From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family. 

The charity provides accommodation close to hospitals where families can stay together during treatment for free, and grants to help families navigate the costs of cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer relies on charitable donations to fund their vital work supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families across the UK. 
 
Last year in Wiltshire, Young Lives vs Cancer helped 76 young people with cancer and families get the support they needed. On average, families of a child with cancer have to pay out £700 extra a month on extra costs such as travel to and from hospital, food and clothing. To help families cope with the costs of cancer, the charity gave out 54 financial grants to the value of £9,350 to young people and families in Wiltshire.

Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, said, “It’s been such a pleasure meeting Rachel and Stuart, their family and friends.

They were so deserving of the recent Salisbury Radio Local Hero Award for “Salisbury’s unsung heroes”  and won Fundraisers of the year.

"I am so sorry for the loss of their beautiful daughter Gemma and it’s so kind of them to think of others in Gemma’s name.  I am so pleased that Young Lives vs Cancer was able to help with our social workers and being able to stay in our accommodation at such an unimaginable time.

"They really are a wonderful family, and I am looking forward to cheering on Stuart, Rachel and all those joining them at the start of the Jurassic Coast Challenge in May.”

“We'd love to see as many people as possible get behind Gems Shining Lights efforts. Their support means Young Lives vs Cancer will be able to help even more young people with cancer to get the right support when they need it most.” 

To support Gems Shining Lights, go to: Gems Shining Lights is fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work, go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk