Oliver Park, a student at St Hilda’s High, was diagnosed with a rare cancer that targets the bones and spreads to soft tissue after complaining of leg pain. Oliver was the son of DJ Graeme Park and tragically passed away at the age of 18 due to melanotic malignant nerve sheath tumour, a rare form of sarcoma. In memory of Oliver, the school staff organized a fundraiser where they ran a 53-mile relay race along the Liverpool and Wirral coastlines to raise over £19,000 for cancer research and support for affected families.
The school staff’s fundraising efforts were in honor of Oliver and aimed to raise awareness about sarcoma, the type of cancer that took his life. Sarcoma is a difficult-to-treat cancer that starts in the bones and then spreads to the soft tissue, making it one of the most challenging cancers to treat. The money raised from the relay race will be donated to Sarcoma UK to fund research and provide support to patients and families affected by this rare cancer. Organizers Gayle Gilbert and Ben Norton expressed their pride in the team’s efforts and emphasized the impact that Oliver had on the school community, motivating them to raise funds for a worthy cause.
Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Sarcoma UK, commended the school staff’s dedication and the significant amount of money they raised through their challenging relay run. The funds raised will contribute to life-changing research and support services for sarcoma patients. The Park family, including Oliver’s father DJ Graeme Park, shared their love and admiration for Oliver, calling him a brave warrior who fought until the end. They expressed their gratitude for the support and vowed to keep Oliver’s memory alive through fundraising efforts for sarcoma research.
The relay race covered a grueling 53-mile route, including two ferry crossings over the Mersey, to commemorate Oliver’s life and raise awareness about sarcoma. Participants ran through various landmarks in Liverpool, finishing with a lap around Albert Dock and the Anglican Cathedral. By organizing this fundraiser and braving the challenging route, the school staff and participants honored Oliver’s spirit and strength in his battle against cancer. The dedication and commitment shown by the staff and supporters reflect the profound impact that Oliver had on their community and the legacy he left behind.
The fundraising initiative not only raised a substantial amount for cancer research but also highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment for rare cancers like sarcoma. Oliver’s story has inspired many to come together and support those affected by this devastating disease. The school staff’s efforts have brought attention to the challenges faced by sarcoma patients and their families, and their contributions will make a difference in advancing research and support services for those battling this rare cancer. Oliver’s memory lives on through the funds raised and the awareness raised about sarcoma, ensuring that his legacy continues to help others in their fight against this difficult-to-treat cancer.
