Young Leeds United fan takes on Prostate United challenge for her grandad

Young Leeds United fan Freya Dunn has taken on an incredible challenge with a hugely personal purpose in mind.

Every day in October, the eight-year-old has been walking two miles to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK, inspired by someone incredibly special to her: her grandad, Martin.

Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer around two years ago. Since then, he has undergone treatment, including a course of radiotherapy that finished earlier this summer. While he continues to attend regular hospital appointments and check-ups, the support he has received from Prostate Cancer UK has made a significant difference to his journey.

Seeing first-hand how the charity helped her grandad inspired Freya to want to give something back.

“My grandad has prostate cancer, and I wanted to give back to the charity that has supported him,” Freya said. “They’ve helped him, and I want to help other people like they helped my grandad.”

Supporting the cause is nothing new for Freya. Last year, Martin and Freya’s dad Dan, and two friends took part in The Big Golf Race, raising £1,500 for Prostate Cancer UK. Freya played her part too, selling some of her old toys and collecting donations to boost the pot. But this year, she wanted a challenge of her own.

Rather than taking on a one-off event, Freya committed to pulling on her trainers and walking two miles every day this month as part of iconic football fundraiser, Prostate United where football fans, staff, coaches and famous faces run, walk and compete evert day in October.

The daily challenge requires dedication and determination, but she has embraced it wholeheartedly, including updating her daily mile-tracker, which now stands over 30 miles at the halfway point of the month.

“I enjoy it because I know I’m doing it for a good reason. And at weekends I get to walk up to Starbucks on the way!” she added.

The challenge has quickly captured the imagination of her local community. Freya has received messages of encouragement from people she has never met, featured in her local newspaper, and even heard from football clubs keen to support her efforts. She was also featured in the matchday programme of her local football club, Doncaster Rovers. She has also raised more than £1,080, smash her £1,000 target.

“It’s really cool getting messages from people,” she continued. “It keeps me going.”

Each walk is a little different. Rather than following the same route every day, Freya likes to explore different paths close to home, often using the opportunity to chat with family members about memories and local landmarks along the way. It has become about much more than fundraising; it is also valuable family time.

Every step she takes is helping to support men affected by prostate cancer, while reminding her grandad, Martin, that he is never walking alone.

Her parents have been by her side throughout the challenge, helping organise walks, sharing updates on social media and passing on messages of support from donors and well-wishers.

“My mum or dad walk with me after school and sometimes other family members come too, which is nice,” said Freya.

Support has also come from her school. Inspired by Freya’s efforts, the school allowed her to organise a Crazy Hair Day fundraiser, helping to raise even more money for Prostate Cancer UK. Her classmates have joined in by helping to sell wristbands and pin badges, giving the campaign a real community feel.

Away from fundraising, Freya is a passionate Leeds United supporter and plays for a local girls’ football team Dunscroft United U-10s, who have also helped with her fundraising.

Her favourite Leeds players are Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu, and she attends Elland Road whenever she can. She appeared in the matchday programme of the Whites too.

Through it all, Martin has watched with immense pride.

“I think what Freya is doing is amazing,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of her. The support she’s showing, not just for me but for other men and families affected by prostate cancer, means a great deal. She keeps me smiling and cheering her on every day.”

Martin hopes to join Freya on some of her walks as she continues her challenge, something that would make the miles even more meaningful.

For Freya, the goal is simple: keep walking, keep raising awareness and keep helping others.

“I just want to keep going,” she said. “And see how many different routes we can do. What my grandad is going through is tough, so it’s great to raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer – and make a difference for men.”