Jump 4 You charity marathon raises money for Cost of Cancer

More than £14,000 has been raised for a small cancer charity by a family who have been personally affected by the disease.

Hundreds of people jumped into action during a marathon exercise event, held at The Post Barn earlier this month, and arranged by Serena Brook-Taylor, whose husband Paul has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“It was amazing,” Mrs Brook-Taylor said. “The whole day from start to finish was incredible and I am still very overwhelmed by it.

“I am speechless by the whole day; everyone’s love, kindness, compassion, generosity and empathy was amazing and it will be a day I never forget.

“We had such a good turnout, all trampolines were filled and people were there supporting the event even if they weren’t jumping. I couldn’t be more delighted.

“I am staggered by the current total and knowing that these donations will go straight back out to other families who need help with the costs that cancer brings.

“The charity is speechless as they have never received donations like this before.

“I’m in awe of how everyone rallied together and helped us smash the total raised.

“My original aim was to raise £1k – I had secretly hoped for £2.5k – and never in my wildest dreams did I think we could achieve this amount of awareness.”

Mrs Brook-Taylor, who works as the executive assistant to the managing director of the Vineyard Group, arranged the Jump4You marathon to raise awareness and funds for Cost of Cancer, which helped her family when they were in need.

Mr Brook-Taylor, 47, was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in December 2022 and in November the family were given the devastating news that his cancer was incurable and terminal.

After his surgery Mr Brook-Taylor, who is a chef at Highclere Castle, had three months off work and it was at this time that the family turned to Cost of Cancer.

The charity, which is run entirely by three volunteers, offers financial assistance to people during treatment and were able to support the family with utility bill costs.

And now that small charity is benefiting from thousands of pounds raised by the three sessions of Jump 4 You – a fitness class company run by Mrs Brook-Taylor, 39, and her business partner Gabi Fekete.

Mr Fekete said: “To me, the charity Jump4you marathon was a dream coming true, and it was a thrilling show of the power, commitment, and support of the Jump4you family.

“I couldn't be prouder of what Serena and our community have achieved.”

Kellie Meredith, who was one of the instructors at the event, said: “I truly feel so proud to have been part of the Jump4you charity event.

“It was a day filled with not just plenty of exercise, but fun, laughter, lots of emotion and the coming together of the most extraordinary community.

“The support from every single person involved was staggering and this can be shown in that the money raised exceeded anyone's expectations by a long way! This will serve as a lifeline to so many families that Cost of Cancer can support through the hardest of times.”

Fellow instructor, Lucy Mugford, added: “Being part of Jump4You's event for Cost of Cancer was absolutely amazing.

“It was an incredible sight to see so many wonderful people get involved for such a fantastic cause.

“It filled me with joy seeing everyone having fun whilst raising money for this brilliant charity. I'm privileged to have been part of it all.”

You can still boost the total raised by visiting www.wonderful.org/fundraisers/NzEA7

Mrs Brook-Taylor thanked The Vineyard Group, which provided the venue and a hydration station of teas, coffee, water and cakes, free of charge; and all those who donated cakes, raffle prizes, and joined in on the day.