Friends plan 12-day walk in memory of Crawley teenager
Friends of Leo Firth are planning to walk from Land’s End to Crawley in his memory – and are appealing for places to stay along the route.
The group plans to complete the 300-mile walk in 12 days to raise awareness of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which took Leo’s life, at the age of 19.
In a post on the @leos_cancer_journey Instagram account, the Crawley teenager’s friends wrote: “We’re walking approximately 300 miles from Land’s End to Crawley in memory of our best mate Leo, who we sadly lost.
“What started as a challenge we were taking on together has now become something much bigger. We’re determined to turn our grief into something positive by raising awareness of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and keeping Leo’s memory alive every step of the way.”
Gatwick Warriors FC announced Leo’s death in a tribute, describing him as the ‘kindest soul, with the warmest heart’. His family had previously appealed for help to find further treatment after being told there were no more options available to him at the Royal Marsden.
The walkers are asking hotels, hostels, businesses and individuals who can offer accommodation to come forward. They plan to share updates on @leos_cancer_journey.
“Whether it’s a share, a place to stay or simply following our journey, every bit of support means so much,” they wrote.
“300 miles. 12 days. One reason. All for Leo.”
Paying tribute on Facebook, Gatwick Warriors FC said Leo was the ‘true definition of a warrior’.
The team added: “He will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, his teammates and everyone here at the club."
"Our warrior has flown up high after a long and courageous battle with cancer.”
In a memorial message accompanying the post, the club said: “It is with great sadness, that we have to share our warrior flew up high after battling for many years.
“Leo will be truly missed by us all at the club. Please join us in offering our condolences and support to his family and friends at this difficult time. Forever in our hearts.”
Leo’s mum, Ashleigh Francis, said chemotherapy had initially put his cancer into remission for 18 months.
After the disease returned, he underwent further chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a cord blood stem cell transplant. His mum said the leukaemia returned again seven months after the transplant, and two rounds of the Apollo clinical trial had failed to work.
His sister, Ellie Firth, set up a fundraiser to help the family explore potential treatments and specialist advice, as well as fulfil Leo’s wishes and create memories together.