When Catherine Dunne noticed a small bump on teenage daughter Evie’s leg last summer, she had no idea it would change her family’s life forever. Within weeks, the 16-year-old had been diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare and potentially life-threatening cancer, and her father David was watching his daughter face surgery, chemotherapy and months of devastating uncertainty.
Now, with Evie’s treatment behind her and her recovery under way, David is channelling the fear, relief and gratitude of the past year into something extraordinary. The 52-year-old from Leeds is preparing to run 160 miles along the Pennine Way in one of Britain’s toughest ultramarathons, raising funds for Sarcoma UK, the charity that supports patients and families affected by the disease.
It was summer last year when David’s wife Catherine noticed a small bump on daughter Evie’s leg while she was wearing shorts. She was taken to see a locum doctor. Immediately, he realised something was wrong and fast-tracked her for an ultrasound.
The results of a biopsy came back in September – the family was told Evie had sarcoma. ‘We had no idea what sarcoma was, though we were encouraged not to Google it.’ They were told the type of sarcoma was unspecified.
‘We had seven weeks where we didn’t know if Evie was going to live or die,’ said David.
Operations took place in October and December 2025 followed by chemotherapy that started around Christmas. This treatment, which ended in March, has been successful, though nodules have been found in Evie’s lungs. She currently has scans every three months to monitor her wellbeing.
Evie has not attended Cardinal Heehan School since last September but has had tutors visit her at home and she is currently in the middle of taking her GCSE exams.
David said his daughter has spent time at home watching the US version of sitcom The Office and has had friends come round for pizza parties. She has two siblings, Lucy, 13, and Jack, 11.
David said: ‘When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, life changes instantly — not just for them but for the whole family. Since Evie’s diagnosis, we’ve experienced first-hand the emotional and physical challenges that come with treatment, surgery and uncertainty.
‘Despite everything she has faced, Evie has shown incredible positivity and strength throughout extensive surgery and chemotherapy, facing each stage with courage and a smile.’
David takes part in ultramarathons and will be raising funds for charity Sarcoma UK by taking part in the Montane Summer Spine Challenger North starting on 14 June. It is a 160-mile race along the Pennine Way from Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders.
The race is completely self-navigated and largely self-supported, with only limited checkpoints along the route. With a strict 90-hour cut-off, David will need to manage his own navigation, kit, pacing, food and sleep while covering some of the toughest terrain in Britain.
He said: ‘There will be long days, little sleep, difficult weather and moments where I’ll want to stop — but those challenges are nothing compared to what people living with sarcoma and their families face every day. I’m fundraising for Sarcoma UK because they provide vital support for patients and families while also funding research into better treatments and earlier diagnosis.’
Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, said: ‘Sarcoma can turn a family’s world upside down overnight. The moment of diagnosis brings not just fear, but months of uncertainty, gruelling treatment and questions that medicine does not yet have all the answers to. That is why research and investment into sarcoma matter so much. We need better treatments, earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, more lives saved. What David is doing is remarkable. To take on a challenge of this magnitude, through some of Britain’s toughest terrain, in honour of his daughter and in support of other families going through what his own has faced, is very inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for his support.’
To donate to David, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/evie-dunne-4
