A FANTASTIC group of fundraisers from Crediton will soon be setting off for a non-stop 24-hour trek from Weymouth to Exmouth.Three years ago a group of likeminded close friends started to set their sights on physical challenges in the name of fun and adventure, raising money for various charities along the way.

Unfortunately in July 2016 one of the group Jon “Foxy” Strawson became unwell and was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, and began a fight that would put all previous struggles into insignificance.

Determined to battle on, the group’s fundraising became personal in a bid to support Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF), who support patient journeys in the South West. Jon was a really friendly guy who had a knack of making people warm to him.

His cheeky smile; his sense of humour and his ability to talk to anyone about anything and everything made him very popular and well-loved in his local community.

He never took life too seriously and was always living life to the full, whether it was him being the life and soul of the party or taking on physical challenges.

In early July 2016 Jon ran the 13Km Maverick Run to add to the group’s great achievements and fundraising.

He had been feeling unwell for some time but pushed himself to finish an amazing 13th out of 100. Two weeks later, on his 33rd birthday, he was taken to hospital and diagnosed with AML.

He was determined, strong and pushed himself through numerous treatments.

In November 2016 Jon had a stem cell transplant with his sister, Rachel, being the donor.

The transplant seemed to go well until in the spring of 2017 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia that caused tumours in his skin.

Doctors weren’t hopeful, but Jon’s strength and determination never ceased. He continued to battle for many months, pushing himself to do as much as he could with his wife and children.Jon’s determination and bravery led to more fundraising from the group in 2017.

A national three peaks challenge, completed in under 24 hours, took place while Jon endured more bouts of chemo and trialling new medicines.

Jon’s business partner Jon “Rusty” Rogers ran the Great West Run putting in a respectable time, while Jon continued to defy the odds of his survival and battled on.

They then hosted a successful comedy night in a local brewery, with Jon in attendance greeting his friends, family, and many acquaintances for an evening filled with love and laughter.

All of this contributed to the groups fantastic total of more than £7,000 raised for ELF in 2017. In early December 2017, despite being so unwell, Jon went with his family to Lapland to see Father Christmas; an amazing and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Sadly, Jon’s brave battle ended on Boxing Day 2017 after vowing he’d make it to Christmas. Yet another impossible challenge he took on and won.

However, his inspiration lives on and a legacy for Jon is continuing in the fundraising that this inspirational group of friends continue for ELF.

Jon’s wife Rachel is eternally grateful to the support provided by ELF. She said: “ELF helped make our tough journey a little more bearable throughout Jon’s battle. Use of the ELF Family Suite was a huge help in having the family together and keeping spirits high at such a challenging time.”So, what now? The group have plenty of big ideas in the pipeline in 2018, more daft adventures, and even more determination to honour Jon’s warrior spirit.

Next up on March 2, the group will set off from on a non-stop trek from Weymouth to trek 100 kilometres of the Jurassic Coast path back to Exmouth, attempting to complete it in under 24 hours.

To donate and show your support for this determined fundraising group please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamfhritpjurassic100 or send a cheque to: FREEPOST, ELF CHARITY, mentioning the FHRITP fundraising group as a reference.

For more information please email: [email protected] or telephone 01392 247 275.

Alan Quick