AN OTTERBOURNE boy who beat a rare cancer will celebrate a milestone his family once feared he might not see by getting ‘Pretty Muddy’ for charity on his birthday.
Jasper Johnson will turn nine this Saturday (June 22) and will be joined by more than 2,700 people taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events on Southampton Common.
The Colden Common Primary School pupil has already confronted cancer and this weekend, he’ll be taking on the Pretty Muddy obstacle course to help and inspire other young cancer patients.
Jasper, who was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma at the age of six and had surgery and chemotherapy, said: “I really didn’t like having cancer so I can’t imagine what it might feel like for other people. I’m doing it for other people who are sick with cancer because this is one way we can help save people by raising money to find new medicines.”
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People with any fitness level can sign up on the day to take part in Pretty Muddy and there’s the chance for boys and girls aged six to 12 to take part in Pretty Muddy Kids - their own version of the fun event.
Obstacles include a scramble net, tunnels to crawl through, a mud pit, inflatable pink tubes, a climbing frame, space hoppers and a giant slide into a mud pool as a finale.
At the same venue on the same date, there is the option to do the traditional Race for Life 3k, 5k and 10k. There will be plenty of entertainment to enjoy including stilt walkers, bubble artists, Rock Choir and Buskerteers choir.
The team is also keen to recruit more volunteers for the day – a great way to contribute to the event and enjoy the atmosphere. Those wishing to help out can register at the admin tent at 8.45am.
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Southampton, said: “We are grateful to Jasper for spending his birthday enjoying our muddy obstacle course to help others like him.
“We’d love for as many people as possible across the city to join him to help raise funds for life-saving research and wish Jasper ‘Happy Birthday’ along the way. Our Pretty Muddy obstacles are designed to be fun and believe us they are! Pretty Muddy is not about coming first, it’s about having fun, it’s all about acting like a big kid again.
“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life and Pretty Muddy have the power not only to transform lives, but to save them.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org.
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