Local family raise almost £6,000 in memory of their daughter Gemma

Almost £6,000 raised by family and friends in memory of daughter Gemma Fay to help children and young people with cancer.

Rachel and Stuart Fay from West Grimstead, Salisbury and six other friends of the family joined together as a team “Gems Shining Lights” to take part in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge on the 17th May 2025. 

Stuart and Sophie took on the 76km challenge (47 miles), Rachel, Debi and Richi the 34km (21 miles) challenge and Louise, Shaun and Lianne the 59km challenge.  £3,671 was raised for Young Lives vs Cancer and £2,182 for Sarcoma UK in memory of Gemma.

Gemma Fay 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 was his fourth time taking on the Jurassic Coast Challenge of the 76km challenge, previously walking the 100km, 58km and 25km. In 2023, mum Rachel and Gemma followed and supported Stuart whilst he was trekking on the Jurassic Coast. This ultra challenge was Rachel’s second Jurassic Coast Challenge, going from the 25km to the 34km.

Gemma's parents, Rachel and Stuart, said: "We walked in memory of our precious Gemma, who was so amazing and such a shining light to everyone she met, and touched so many hearts. Gemma truly lived life to the full when she was able to and loved the outdoors and being by the sea. Gemma is always with us whatever we do and was cheering us on!

"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' their social workers have provided crucial support, advice and guidance on important aspects. We really appreciate Young Lives vs Cancer for making life a little easier.

"A big thank you to all our team members for making the Jurassic Coast Challenge such a special day in memory of Gemma. Gemma would be so proud of us and for raising so much money for Young Lives vs Cancer and Sarcoma UK."

Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer, said, “It was an absolute pleasure to be at the start of the Jurassic Coast Challenge to cheer on Team Gems Shining Lights and others taking on the challenge for Young Lives vs Cancer.

"Similar to last year, I love the fact that each team member was given a shell from Gemma’s collection to place wherever they would like along the walk and one to keep to take home as a keepsake. All the team had a star printed with a photo of Gemma.

"It really means a lot to us at Young Lives vs Cancer to have had the team raise funds to help young cancer patients and their families.

"It helps ensure that others can continue to be supported by our social workers, be given grants and able to stay in our “Homes from Home.” A huge thank you to Rachel, Stuart and the whole team for their amazing support in Gemma’s name.”

If you would like to make a donation to the team page, you can do so here: Gems Shining Lights is fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer

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 78 children and young people with cancer and their 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 60 financial grants to the value of £12,800 to young people and families in Wiltshire.

To find out more and get involved in raising funds or volunteering for Young Lives vs Cancer, visit the website. www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk