Friends of Penrith teenager fighting cancer in charity walk

Friends of Jack Musgrave completed the Ullswater Way on Saturday to raise money to help the Penrith 15-year-old.

Jack was there to greet the group at an emotional ending to the walk.

The big effort by his friends has raised nearly £4,500 to help Jack and his family as he undergoes treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma.

They say the money will go to Jack’s family and also towards a gift for their friend, who has started a course of chemotherapy treatment in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

While the weather was not on their side on Saturday, the 13 teenagers said they were motivated to keep going through their determination to do something for Jack.

Jack's friends completed the Ullswater Way in wet conditions (Image: Giorgio Cardia)

Jack’s friends who took part were Giorgio Cardia, Alex Watson, Jack Brier, Archie Cleasby, Ashton Harkness, Alfie Hulme, Dylan Stevenson, Spencer Davidson, Jake Mattinson, Kenzie Radcliffe, Harry Bibby, Rob Sisson and Oscar Smith.

Giorgio said: “The whole walk was quite tough but the second half was definitely the toughest, especially Gowbarrow – it was like walking up a mountain.

“I think none of us wanted to give up because we were all determined to finish for Jack.

The 13 friends wanted to raise money for Jack and his family during his cancer treatment (Image: Giorgio Cardia)

“When we were about halfway through we realised that we were ahead of schedule, and that definitely motivated us too.

“We all feel proud of ourselves after completing it.”

Giorgio added that it was emotional at the finish line in Pooley Bridge because huge Carlisle United fan Jack, his brother Mason and mum Linda were waiting to greet them, along with the 13 teenagers’ parents.

“There was a sense of relief and joy,” he added.

Jack’s friends were accompanied on the walk by some of their parents and they wished to give a “massive shout out” to Nicola Stevenson, Joanne Hulme, Leanne Harkness, John Harkness, Pauline Cleasby and Lorraine Watson as well as Lorraine’s friend Joan Oliver.

Jack's friends pictured during their 22-mile walk (Image: Giorgio Cardia)

The boys all wore personalised ‘Mission Musgrave’ bibs provided by AST Signs in Penrith, and were also grateful to Ullswater Campsite for snacks en route and Chestnut House at Pooley Bridge for refreshments at the end of the walk.

Jack’s mum Linda said she was “so unbelievably proud” of Jack’s friends for organising the walk, planning it, giving presentations at school about it and completing the walk in such wet conditions.

I still can't believe these lads spent their Saturday in horrible weather walking 22 miles for Jack!....well actually I can, because he really has found the best group of mates he could ask for,” added Linda.

“So proud of you all, and I know you will get him through this and the worst bits that are to come yet.”

You can still donate to the Mission Musgrave GoFundMe page HERE