Burnley boy (eight) takes on bike ride challenge to raise cash for Bone Cancer Research
Eight-year-old Lukas Hoyle is cycling nine miles to raise money for Bone Cancer Research after his best friend Jaxon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and has already raised £1,000 towards his £2,000 target.
"He’s my best friend, and I want to do this for him.”
Those were the words of Burnley’s Lukas Hoyle who, at the age of just eight, is taking on a challenge to help his best friend Jaxon Plaister who has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
Lukas plans to cycle around nine miles, starting from Turf Moor, all the way to Todmorden where Jaxon lives with his family.
Best pals since they were born, Lukas and Jaxon spend most of their days playing Roblox together over Facetime when they can’t be together in person. Constantly laughing and having fun the pair have formed a special bond.
But now, with Jaxon facing the challenge of his illness, Lukas has decided he wants to do something to help his best friend.
Lukas will be joined by his dad Nick on the bike ride this Sunday (November 1) which will raise money for Bone Cancer Research. With a £2,000 target the fund has almost reached the £1,000 mark already.
Lukas said: “Jaxon is my best friend. We have been on holiday lots of times and had so much fun. Me and Jaxon are always laughing when we are together."
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Lukas’ proud mum Natalie said: “These simple but incredibly moving words capture the true meaning of friendship. To Lukas, Jaxon is not a diagnosis or an illness, he is his best mate, his gaming partner, his holiday buddy and the person who makes him laugh.
“Lukas wants to help in whatever way he can, and his bike ride is his way of showing Jaxon that he is right there beside him.”
Osteosarcoma can have a devastating impact on children and their families. Research plays an important role in improving treatments and creating hope for the future of everyone affected by this disease.
By fundraising for Bone Cancer Research, Lukas hopes to contribute towards this vital work and make a difference for children like Jaxon.
Natalie added: “The £2,000 target is a big ambition for such a young boy, but Lukas is determined to give the challenge everything he has.”
The Hoyle family, who live in Cliviger, hope that the local community, friends and kind-hearted supporters will get behind Lukas and help spread the word and donate whatever they can to support his fundraising efforts.
Natalie added: “Every donation, no matter how small, will bring Lukas closer to his target and help support the cause that has become so important to him.
“At an age when children should be carefree, Lukas is showing extraordinary kindness, courage and determination. He cannot take away what his best friend is going through, but he can show him just how much he is loved and how hard he is willing to try to help.”
To make a donation to Lukas’ challenge search ‘riding for Jaxon’ on the gofundme platform.