Grandparents go on a Big Walk for little grandson

A couple whose grandson was diagnosed with a brain tumour two years ago have raised over £100,000 for children’s charities to show their gratitude for the life-saving treatment of their “hero”.

Zack was only six months old when he was diagnosed and has since been facing ongoing treatment, described as a “two-year nightmare”.

During this time, Zack and his family have been under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), and Camp Simcha, who, said the family, have been with them “for every appointment, every scan, and every difficult moment”.

Determined Bushey grandparents, Adrian and Alice Cohen, decided to initiate a marathon-length walking challenge, The Big Walk, recruiting 61 walkers of all ages to walk the streets of London and Hertfordshire, “paying back” the two charities that have made a vital contribution to their grandson’s treatment and the family’s wellbeing. There was also a group taking part in The Big Walk in Lisbon.

Louise saying a few words at the Camp Simcha headquarters before the walk (Photo: Camp Simcha)[Missing Credit]

Adrian said: “Six months ago, crying, I decided to take on this challenge after watching my grandson, Zack, my daughter, Louise, and son-in-law, Sam, and our family battle through a two-year nightmare. Feeling helpless, I wanted to do something to pay back and thank the charities who have been our lifeline.”

Many walkers commenced The Big Walk from Camp Simcha’s Golders Green headquarters, reaching the doors of GOSH in Bloomsbury before making their return up north, finishing in Bushey.

Adrian Cohen arriving at the finish line in Bushey (Photo: Camp Simcha)[Missing Credit]

They were joined by Camp Simcha’s director of fundraising, Shoshana Copeland, who remarked that it was a “privilege” to take part in The Big Walk, adding that Zack and his family’s story “touched our hearts, and their strength continues to inspire us all”.

Zack and other supporters greeted the runners as they entered their final leg in Bushey with “smiling faces”, providing many with the renewed energy to complete the challenge.

Reflecting on the experience, Zack’s grandfather Adrian said that t the finish line, he was “crying again, but different tears”. He paid tribute to family and friends who have “walked this road with us over the last few years, and of course, turned up to support us on this marathon walk”.

Louise and Adrian embracing at the finish line in Bushey[Missing Credit]

Speaking about the ordeal of the last two years of gruelling treatment, Zack’s mother, Louise, said her son was “without a doubt my hero”, and that even in their darkest moments, “he’s made us laugh, he’s kept us grounded and reminded us what real courage looks like”.

Zack and his family are among 1,700 family members supported annually by Camp Simcha, which providing 25 bespoke support services for families coping with over 50 serious, life-threatening, life-changing or chronic paediatric conditions.