The mother of a nine-year-old boy, who has been fighting leukaemia since 2022, has taken on a 50-mile fundraiser in memory of another inspirational young man who sadly lost his fight just weeks ago.
Louise Browne – mum of Bobby – has, since her son’s diagnosis, become a constant voice for the importance of stem cell, blood and bone marrow donor through their Facebook page Find Bobby a Match.
Today, the Bessbrook woman is in the midst of a ’50 miles in October’ walking challenge to benefit Anthony Nolan – the world’s first stem cell register . The challenge has been dedicated to the memory of Daniel Greer who passed away at age 16 on September 20.
Related: Newry’s ‘little warrior’ Daniel Greer loses Leukaemia battle, aged 16
In her journey with Bobby, Louise met Daniel’s family – whom she describes simply as “amazing” – in a hospital tearoom. Little did she know upon meeting them that they lived “just three miles up the road”.
In their shared leukaemia experience the two families forged a bond, something that compelled Louise to continue Daniel’s legacy in any way she could.
Speaking to Armagh I, Louise, explained: “We had just come back from Daniel’s funeral, which was absolutely beautiful. Then I had seen this challenge on Facebook and thought it would just be a lovely thing to do for Daniel.
“He had raised so much awareness and got so many people onto to the register and I think there were three people called up from his campaign. I wanted to continue that, not only to get people to donate money to Anthony Nolan to help with what they do but also to let more people sign up to be a donor and continue his legacy.
“They [the Greer family] have done so much for us and for Bobby and the timing was right.”
As a mother herself, Louise describes the “deep connection” she feels with Daniel’s mum Anne, in particular. But, more than anything she has such a profound respect for a young man who fought so bravely and with such dignity.
“He put up such a good fight and he had so much love and support behind him,” she added. “It’s just devastating.”
As the mother of a child who has undergone the arduous search for a donor and the terrifying bone marrow transplant process Louise knows first hand just how vital funds and donors are to patients and families battling the disease.
Related: Little Bessbrook boy Bobby undergoes transplant as parents praise ‘amazing’ donor
With Bobby now back in school, Louise is able to get her daily miles in and also uses the time mindfully to reflect and “say her prayers”.
Of the need for funds, Louise explained: “Before we even went for the transplant the books you get with information – and it’s not even a leaflet – it’s books and books and it costs so much money for them to do anything.
“Even for a psychology appointment. They provide a lot of support and to be honest DKMS do just as much they didn’t have a current fundraising scheme and I just wanted to do something.”
Louise set herself a humble £250 target and on day three has already exceed this with the current total at the time of writing sitting at just over £1000.
She is also past her halfway mile marker already with a total of 29 miles done and dusted.
Taking a little inspiration from Daniel, Louise has committed to seeing out the 50 miles… and more.
She said: “I’ll keep going because Daniel kept going. He kept fighting, so I’ll do as much as I can for him.”
You can support Louise’s 50 Mile October Challenge with a donation here or sign up to be a donor with Anthony Nolan here.
