Fundraising challenge begins in teenager's memory

More than 300 people are taking part in a fundraising challenge in memory of a teenager who died from a rare bone cancer.

Owen Jenkinson, from Rotherham, died from Ewing sarcoma in November last year aged 17, three years after he was diagnosed with the disease.

His family and friends want to raise £100,000 for PACT, a Sheffield charity supporting families whose children have cancer, by running, walking or wheeling between five and 10km (6.2 miles) every day throughout October.

Owen's older sister, Ciara Jenkinson Brooks, described him as "absolutely incredible", adding: "I just want to make Owen proud."

More than £64,000 had been raised for the charity as of Thursday.

Owen was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after complaining of pain in his left leg.

The active youngster thought he might have pulled a muscle playing football.

Ciara said the news was a "real shock" for the family.

"He was a really keen runner, football player, cricketer - he basically did every sport you can imagine."

According to the NHS, Ewing sarcoma is most common in teenagers and young adults and "slightly more common" in men.

Ciara said her brother, a keen Rotherham United fan, "didn't leave any stone unturned" in his treatment.

"When they realised there wasn't anything else they could do he just continued to live his life as he always had with a big smile on his face, and just try to make the most of every single minute."

His loss was "indescribable", she added.

"Owen was so full of life.

"To have someone that was so full of life not in your life anymore leaves an indescribable amount of pain."

Ciara, who will be taking part in the challenge, added: "The thing Owen did was to find the small moments of joy in every day.

"My role as a big sister is to carry that legacy on."

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