“I’m walking to be a beacon of change for other young people with cancer” - Fred’s experience

Yorkshire Cancer Research’s 'We Walk for Yorkshire' challenge officially launches today on 1 May.

People across Yorkshire are strapping on their walking boots and preparing to walk throughout May for life-saving cancer research.

One of these people is 23-year-old Fred Giles. Unable to walk after his cancer surgeries in March 2023, Fred wouldn’t have expected to be hiking up the Yorkshire Three Peaks this May.  

But two years since he was diagnosed, he is taking part in this year’s ‘We Walk for Yorkshire’ challenge, determined to be a beacon of change for other young people with cancer.   

Fred, from Selby, was 21 when he began experiencing severe headaches in December 2022.

"The headaches would happen when I moved too fast or laid down, and I really struggled to sleep.” Fred explained. “My GP thought my symptoms were due to anxiety, but I just knew that something else was wrong.”

In March 2023, Fred had a CT scan which found a medulloblastoma, a type of fast-growing brain tumour, at the back of his brain. He was quickly referred for surgery to remove the tumour and remained on the trauma ward at Hull Royal Infirmary for 34 days.  

“I had to have two drips to drain the bleeds on my brain, and two more emergency surgeries. It was a very difficult time for me as I was unable to eat or go to the toilet. I didn’t feel human,” Fred admitted.

After the surgery, Fred was transferred to Leeds where he underwent two weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy. At first, it was difficult for Fred to come to terms with the side effects of his cancer treatment.  

“I was playing a video game with my friends at my house when I looked down at my hand and saw a massive clump of hair. From there, I lost my eyebrows, eyelashes and all the hair across my body. This was very strange because I’m a naturally hairy person!”

Fred continued: “My first week of radiotherapy was difficult. The mask I wore to keep my head still during the treatment was quite claustrophobic, but I soon got used to it. Other young people on the ward were also receiving treatment, so I would try and reassure them that things would be alright, especially on their first night.” 

Fred went on to receive further chemotherapy treatment for 36 weeks. The length and intensity of his cancer treatment meant he lost a lot of weight and experienced high levels of fatigue.

“I used to be very active, but the side effects of my cancer treatment meant I could often barely stand up. It was difficult to balance and do small everyday activities like putting my trousers on.”  

In July 2024, 18 months after his symptoms first started, Fred had a final scan to confirm the 46 weeks of treatment had been successful. He now has a check-up every six months.

Following treatment, Fred was keen to build back his strength, attending the gym regularly and monitoring his diet to help regain the weight he lost.  

To aid his progress, he joined Active Together, an evidence-based cancer exercise treatment programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and designed by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. Active Together helps people prepare for and recover from cancer treatment, offering personalised support based on individual needs and treatment. 

Fred continued: “The sessions are personalised to what I want to achieve, and the Yorkshire Cancer Research team are helping me increase my walking distance. Thanks to their support, I’m confident I’ll even be running soon.”

Now, Fred has improved his fitness so much he can take part in the 2025 ‘We Walk for Yorkshire’ fundraising challenge. Yorkshire Cancer Research is inviting people to get out walking in its 100th year and help raise £100,000 for life-saving cancer research.

Fred will be walking each of the Yorkshire Three Peaks with his younger brother Logan throughout May, helping to raise vital funds for pioneering research and innovative services for people with cancer in Yorkshire. 

Logan, along with Fred’s mum, Emma, have been by his side throughout his cancer treatment.

“My mum took me to every single appointment and drove from Selby every day to see me while I was staying at Hull Royal Infirmary. On my last night of chemotherapy, Logan even slept next to me on a little pull-out bed in hospital. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Reflecting on his fitness journey, Fred said: “My mum and brother had to help me to walk after my first surgeries, and now, we can all go on walks together with our family dog, Hector. Walking has been such a huge part of my recovery from cancer.”

In 2014, when Fred was 13, his dad, Michael, sadly passed away from cancer. Ten years on, Michael’s impact is deeply felt in their family. 

“Thinking about my dad’s experience with cancer gave me a lot of mental strength to keep going during the most difficult times with my own cancer treatment. I’ll be thinking of him when we climb each of the three Yorkshire peaks.”

During his cancer treatment, Fred shared his experience on his Instagram and TikTok account (@fredhasreturned). Now, he is using these platforms to document his ongoing recovery, focusing on how he is actively rebuilding his life and rediscovering the things he loves. 

Fred concluded: "I want to do something that matters and be a beacon of change. On the hospital wards, I met a lot of other young people affected by cancer, and I’d like to help them by raising awareness of the benefits of getting active following cancer treatment. I want them to know that their experience matters and encourage them to talk openly about cancer.”