In memory of a teenager who died from cancer

Maisie Adam is set to run the London Marathon on Sunday honour a 14-year-old boy who died from bone cancer.

The comedian attended the same high school as Frank Ashton, St Aidan’s in Harrogate, but never never met him.

However she was so touched by his tragic story that she is running the 26 miles as the patron of Frank’s Fund, part of the Bone Cancer Research Trust. 

She said: ‘Since becoming a patron of Frank’s Fund, I’ve held comedy nights, raffles, appeared on charity gameshows… but this will be my toughest task by a mile. 

‘I’ve never run a marathon before in my life, but at least I have the privilege to be here to do it. Frank doesn’t, so this is for him, his family, and everyone affected by this horrendous disease."

Frank’s mum Louise Asthon added: ‘Although Maisie and Frank never met, we know they’d have got on like a house on fire. 

‘Comedy was one of Frank’s favourite things. From Alan Partridge and League Of Their Own to the Inbetweeners and Gavin and Stacey, Frank used comedy to get through some of his darkest days. 

"Frank had a lively sense of humour and could always be relied on to make people laugh and keep them entertained. 

‘We are so grateful for Maisie’s support, and we know Frank would approve of Maisie being patron for the fund we set up in his memory. Good luck Maisie – we’ll be cheering for you!’ 

Frank, above, was just 11 years old when he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a form of primary bone cancer, in April 2016.

His treatment involved 14 cycles of chemotherapy, two months of proton beam therapy in the US, and an eight-hour operation to remove the tumour and a large section of his pelvis. 

In September 2017, when Frank was five months in remission, his family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned. Despite further treatment, Frank died on February 9, 2019.

Support Adam’s fundraising efforts at JustGiving.  Chortle has previously reported how comedians including Romesh Ranganathan, Joel Dommett and Esther Manito are also running the London Marathon – with Ivo Graham pushing Rosie Jones around the course in a buggy. 

Published: 18 Apr 2024