Morley dad running London Marathon after son's death

A man from West Yorkshire is taking part in the London Marathon to help children with cancer after his three-year-old son died from a brain tumour.

Craig Vaughan, from Morley, is running to help raise funds to give children with cancer a free holiday.

He set up Archie's Caravan in Filey in 2022, which offers free holidays to families affected by childhood cancer.

He and his wife, Hayley, were "physically sick" after learning Archie had a rare brain tumour, known as ETMR.

Recalling finding out the news in July 2021, he said: "Archie had started tilting his head to one side.

"We took him to the doctor and we just thought it would be an ear infection, but when we found out later that it was a brain tumour, there's no words to explain it, we were physically sick that day.

"But we had to keep going and stay strong for [Archie's siblings] Lily and Harry."

Archie's cancer was incurable, but he underwent a successful 10-hour operation to remove 95% of the tumour, which gave the family extra time together.

"His recovery was amazing after the surgery, he was out of hospital within a week, and we were so proud of him and his determination and bravery to get through that," Mr Vaughan added.

However, Archie died six months later in November 2021.

During his final few months the family spent time together in Archie's favourite place, Filey beach, and came up with the caravan idea to help others.

Mr Vaughan said Archie was "always happiest at the beach, and being by the sea really helped him".

Since the charity was set up, 30 families have already had a free holiday and Mr Vaughan is hoping the London Marathon challenge will mean many more will have the chance.

"We've already raised over £6,000. It'll all go directly towards the running costs of Archie's Caravan," he added.

"We just want to keep it running for other families to enjoy."

Mr Vaughan says he has never been a runner and couldn't even manage three miles without walking when he first started training earlier this year - but the thought of his son has kept him going.

"Archie's my motivation, but also all the other families who're affected by childhood cancer, and when I get into those later miles I know I'm going to get emotional, but Archie's bravery through his battle with cancer is what will get me through," he said.

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