Derek Francis inspires friends to fundraise for Maggie’s

Derek Francis, 53, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and was treated with extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy before being given the all clear.

However, a year later, Derek was told that his cancer has returned and spread to his chest, and is now living with advanced cancer. 

Despite this, Derek has been determined to stay positive and continue doing what he loves – including hosting his radio show, looking after his dog Milo, and raising awareness of Maggie’s, all whilst undergoing chemotherapy. 

Recently, Derek hosted six online raffles and raised over £1,024 for Maggie’s. With prizes ranging from Jo Malone perfume to a Dolly Parton cushion. 

Derek was “blown away with the generosity and kindness” of those who took part. His hard work in coordinating prizes and winners inspired three of his close friends to start their own fundraisers and join Derek in raising money for people with cancer, their family and friends. 

Supporting people with cancer

Friends, Emma, Paul and Bev are inspired by Derek’s zest for life despite his diagnosis, as “he doesn’t focus on how many days, weeks, or months he may have left, but lives his life making the most of every day.” 

They will be taking on three different challenges over the coming months.

Emma

Emma is ‘swimming the channel’ at her local pool in the mornings before work. She’ll be swimming 34km from Dover to Calais which equates to 1,360 lengths, starting Tuesday 7 September and swimming until Christmas Eve. Emma says:

If Derek can raise money whilst having the pain he has, then I can too! If he can do it between chemotherapy and other treatments, then I have no excuse!

Bev

Bev joined our Run 50 Miles in September Facebook challenge, she is taking on the challenge to add to Derek's fundraising efforts. 

Paul

Paul is doing his own Miles for Maggie's challenge and cycling from John O Groats to Lands End on his static bike in his bedroom, covering 1,409 km over 50 days. He is inspired by Derek’s determination to do all he can to raise money for Maggie’s. 

You can read more about Emma, Paul, and Bev's fundraising efforts.