Daniel casts off for cancer charity challenge

Caring Daniel Jones cast off for a 24-hour fishing challenge to raise funds for the charity which supported two close relatives with terminal cancer.

Daniel at the college’s health and social care training facility

The 17-year-old sadly lost his grandad and uncle within seven months of each other.

George Greathead, 81, who was married to Irene, died of bowel cancer last August just four months after his diagnosis.

Tragically their son Ian, a grandfather himself who had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2021, died in March this year aged 54 after the disease spread. Both lived in Bishop Auckland.

Devastated Daniel, who is studying a Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care at Bishop Auckland College and also works in a care home, decided he wanted to give something back to Marie Curie in gratitude for the care they gave to both George and Ian.

He raised £250 for the cancer charity in a 24-hour fishing challenge at The Carr’s Angling Lakes in Stockton-on-Tees.

Daniel, also of Bishop Auckland, said: “It was a scary time seeing my grandad fighting for his life and balancing my GCSE examinations. Raising money for a charity that helped my uncle and my grandad made me feel proud of myself.

"It will help those who are going through end-of-life care or help fund counselling for those who have lost family members.”

Lecturer and Course Coordinator Laura Newby added: “Daniel is an inspiration to all learners at Bishop Auckland College and as a class we are extremely proud of his achievements.”