Dad takes on 1,000-mile cycling challenge after daughter’s life-saving treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

A father from Leicester whose young daughter underwent life-saving treatment for a rare cancer at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is taking on a 1,000-mile cycling challenge to give back to the hospital that helped save her life.

Tom Copson, 34, Managing Partner of Leicester-based accountancy firm Rowley’s, will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats alongside five colleagues this summer, covering more than 1,000 miles in just nine days.

The challenge has already raised more than £18,000 for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, which raises funds for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s family of hospitals, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, alongside The Christie and Hope Against Cancer.

The team will average around 120 miles a day during the challenge, which was inspired by the remarkable journey of Tom’s daughter, Marcia, who was just nine years old when she was diagnosed in September 2023 with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, an exceptionally rare form of salivary gland cancer.

Because the disease is so uncommon in children, clinicians initially faced challenges identifying the most effective treatment pathway. Following discussions between cancer experts across the UK, Marcia was referred to specialists at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

In April 2024, Marcia underwent a 16-hour operation involving four specialist surgeons. The procedure required the removal of the tumour, most of the facial nerve on the right side of her face and her inner ear. Surgeons then reconstructed part of her face using tissue from her leg and rebuilt her facial nerve using nerve grafts.

Following surgery, Marcia received seven weeks of proton beam therapy at The Christie to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Despite experiencing painful side effects and significant weight loss, she completed every treatment session before ringing the bell in July 2024.

Tom said: “As a parent, when your child is diagnosed with cancer, you do feel completely powerless as there’s nothing you can do to help your child in that moment.

“We were reliant on the expertise of so many incredible people throughout Marcia’s diagnosis and treatment. From the surgeons and nurses to the therapists and researchers, there were dozens of people involved in helping Marcia and truly, we can’t thank them enough.

“The care we received at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was extraordinary. Without the support of charities that help fund research, specialist equipment and services, families like ours simply wouldn’t have access to the care that can change lives. That was one of the reasons we wanted to fundraise, to ensure that families going through similar struggles receive the same level of support.

“Marcia has shown unbelievable strength throughout everything she has faced. This challenge is our way of giving something back and helping other children and families who may find themselves on a similar journey.”

Following her surgery, Marcia continues to undergo facial therapy and requires lifelong hormone treatment after damage to her thyroid, but recent scans have shown no signs of recurrence. She is now looking forward to starting high school in September and continuing with her passion for dance.

Funds raised by Tom will support projects at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital,  helping to fund state-of-the-art equipment, pioneering research, and welcoming environments to help patients and families feel at ease.

Michelle White, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said: “Tom and the team have been absolutely outstanding in their support of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Their commitment, energy and willingness to go above and beyond through this incredible challenge is truly inspiring.

“The funds raised will make a real and lasting difference to patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, like Marcia, and we are hugely grateful for their fundraising support.”

Dr Mars Skae, Hospital Medical Director for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital said: “It is incredibly moving to see the Copson family turn such a difficult and personal journey into support for others.

“After everything Marcia has been through, it is wonderful to see her doing so well. The family’s decision to use their experience to help other children and families in our hospital means so much to us.

“Everyone at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital will be cheering Tom and his colleagues on as they take on this incredible challenge!”