Eastbourne man takes on huge fundraising challenge following death of childhood friend

Lleyton Edwards is undertaking the huge challenge in memory of Luke Bailey who died, aged 20, following a diagnosis of a rare type of leukaemia.

The challenge will begin on the anniversary of Luke’s death (August 3) and will see Lleyton run 50km daily for 20 days – one for each year of Luke’s life.

Luke was diagnosed in 2021, and later had a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment. However, six months later, he was diagnosed with Graft Versus Host Disease – a serious side effect which occurs when the graft’s immune cells attack the recipient’s body.

In his final year of life, Luke survived on 18 per cent lung function.

Lleyton said: “[Luke] couldn't walk ten metres without having to stop for a couple minutes to get his breath back.

“This was so hard to see but not once did he complain. If you were to ask him about it, you would think he just had a common cold.

“When he passed it was one of the hardest things I have had to deal with so far in my life. You never expect to lose someone to close to you this young.

“I knew Luke, however, and he wouldn't want me to sit around getting upset for too long. So, within weeks, I started to think of ways I could honour Luke’s memory of being a fighter right until the very end.”

Lleyton was born in Eastbourne and emigrated to Australia nine years ago, but returned to visit Luke every year until he died.

He hopes to raise 50,000 Australian Dollars for Leukaemia Foundation which helps to ‘navigate the emotional, physical, and psychosocial challenges of a blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship’.

Lleyton added: “I am doing this in honour of my friend, yes, but the main thing I want to get across from this is how lucky people who don't suffer from life threatening diseases like myself are, and how important it is not to take life for granted.

"He inspired me and continues to inspire me today.”

To donate towards the cause, visit: www.fundraise.leukaemia.org.au/fundraisers/Lleytons1000Over20