Jed Norgrove, 21, from Ludlow, is preparing to run the iconic London Marathon later this month, driven by a deeply personal mission: to raise vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity provided crucial support to his younger brother, Owen, during his fight against Hodgkin Lymphoma.
The Norgrove family’s world was turned upside down when Owen was diagnosed with the disease at just 16. Jed, then 20, recalls the shock and disbelief. “He was only 16, he was really fit and enjoyed rugby and other sports. I always thought it was older people who got cancer,” Jed shared. “It’s not fair for anyone to get cancer, but I thought: ‘He’s my little brother. How is this fair?’”
Witnessing Owen’s first chemotherapy session was a stark reality check for Jed. “He was hooked up to the machines and it really hit me,” he said. Despite the hardship, including losing his hair – a change the whole family mirrored by shaving their own heads in solidarity – Owen remained remarkably strong.
Owen received treatment on an adult ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where he described the care as ‘fantastic’. However, he credits the specialised support from his Teenage Cancer Trust Outreach Nurse, Becky, as essential.
“Becky has been a great support,” Owen explained. “Without her, I wouldn’t have had anyone to ask questions about my treatment or the side effects of chemotherapy… If I had any problems, she’d go through it with the doctor for me, so I didn’t have to. She also reassured me when I had worries.”
Teenage Cancer Trust also combats the isolation young patients can feel by organising social events. Owen found immense value in connecting with peers facing similar challenges. “It helped to talk about the side effects and what I was going through,” he said. “They have been through the same thing as me and so they know what to expect and they understand me.”
Jed echoed the importance of Becky’s role during Owen’s challenging six months of treatment. “Becky was there to offer him support and it was invaluable for him and for my parents. Whether that was chasing appointments, or just being someone to talk to, Becky was always there.”
Now, with Owen having received the all-clear, Jed is channelling his gratitude into action. He aims to raise £2,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust through his marathon effort.
“After all of the support that Teenage Cancer Trust gave Owen, I thought it was the least I could do,” Jed stated. He anticipates the gruelling 26.2 miles ahead, drawing inspiration from his brother’s resilience. “However tough the marathon is, he’s been through tougher things. I’m looking forward to seeing Owen at the finish line and it will be a nice way to celebrate how far he has come.”
Their mother, Hayley Norgrove, reflected on the ordeal: “As a parent hearing your child has cancer is the worst news imaginable. Owen was so brave… The whole team that treated him were amazing.” She also highlighted Jed’s constant presence at Owen’s side throughout his treatment.
The entire Norgrove family plans to be in London to cheer Jed across the finish line, celebrating both his achievement and Owen’s recovery.
To sponsor Jed visit Jed Norgrove is fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust.
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