A County Durham firefighter is set to walk, run and cycle more than a thousand miles to raise funds for a little boy battling a rare form of childhood cancer.
Gary Tough, a Station Manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS), is hoping to cover 1,393 miles – the distance from the youngster’s home in High Shincliffe to Rome – by the end of March 2026.
Along the way, Gary wants to raise as much money as possible for four-year-old Benny Bahmanizad, his brother’s nephew, who has neuroblastoma.
Little Benny was just two when he was diagnosed and completed treatment earlier this year.
However, in September, doctors discovered that the cancer had sadly returned.
His family is now raising funds for Benny to undergo a CAR-T cell trial in Rome, as Benny is currently ineligible for clinical trials in the UK.
Dad-of-two Gary, 40, who has worked for CDDFRS for 16 years, said: “Benny has spent a lot of time growing up with my daughter.
“He is a happy and caring little boy and it is heart-breaking that his cancer has returned.
“In solidarity with Benny and his family, I’m setting myself a challenge to cover 1,393 miles by cycling, running or walking.
“The plan is to complete the final miles on March 29, 2026, by running a 50km ultra marathon around Durham City.
“To hit that target, I need to average 12.2 miles every day for the next 114 days.
“If you’re able to donate, it will mean the world to me and to Benny’s family.
“Every pound helps bring them closer to the treatment Benny needs.”
To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/highshincliffetoromestandbybenny
Photo caption: Station Manager Gary Tough (centre) with his brother Brian (left) holding Benny's sister Zara, Brian's wife Laura, Benny and Gary's daughter Olivia (front) and Benny's mam Nicola (far right.)
