Emilie Heald to Conquer 10 Challenges in Honour of 10 Years Cancer-Free

We’re proud to share the inspiring journey of our very own Emilie Heald as she takes on a special mission to mark a decade of being cancer-free. Diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at just 17, Emilie underwent rigorous treatment, enduring aggressive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and 10 surgeries over 18 months. Now, as a final-year university student studying psychology and executive assistant at Heald, Emilie is turning her experience into an opportunity to give back.

Emilie is spearheading this important initiative with support from Heald. These challenges, ranging from the Great Manchester Run to the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, are not only a testament to Emilie’s resilience but also a means to raise vital funds for charities close to her heart.

The full list of challenges and events which will be completed throughout 2024 include: 

1. Great Manchester Run (10K)

2. Yorkshire 3 Peaks 

3. Belvoir Castle Triathlon 

4. Coast 2 Coast Cycle 

5. Great North Run (Half Marathon)

6. Ongoing Cancer Research charity shop drive 

7. Ongoing Blood/Platelet Drive 

8. Charity Netball Tournament Manchester 

9. Charity Swim (57 Miles) 

10. Charity Ball (including charity auction) 

Despite the physical challenges she faces due to her past surgeries, Emilie remains undeterred in her determination to make a difference. With the support of her family, including her mother, Debbie Heald and all of us at Heald, Emilie is driven to ensure that the charities that supported her during her cancer journey continue to thrive and provide invaluable assistance to others in need.

Emilie’s fundraising efforts will benefit a range of charities, including The Little Princess Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust, Make-A-Wish, Bone Cancer Research Trust, Young Lives vs Cancer, Cancer Research UK, Ward 94 (St James Hospital, Leeds), and The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. 

Emilie herself says, “I appreciate everyone so much for choosing to support me and continuing to support me. My goal for these challenges is to raise as much awareness, money and support for the charities that help young people battling cancer as possible. It’s a very scary, lonely, and isolating place, and these charities were pivotal in making me feel happy and loved throughout my treatment and recovery. 

“Some of my closest friends and relatives have already committed to join me in these challenges, while others are organising their own events to support these incredible charities alongside me. After being in this life-changing position myself, I just want to help as many children and young people as possible on their cancer journey.”

To follow Emilie’s journey, follow her on Instagram at @em10_cic and use the hashtag #Em10 if you’re joining Emilie in her fundraising efforts! 

To learn more about Emilie’s story and to donate, please visit here.