The son of an iconic Scots DJ tragically died after complaining of a mysterious leg pain.
Oliver Park, son of Aberdeen DJ Graeme Park, tragically lost his battle to a rare type of sarcoma on March 22, 2023, aged just 18.
The brave Liverpool school pupil endured a near two-year fight after being diagnosed with a melanotic malignant nerve sheath tumour, which is so rare it only accounts for just 0.02 per cent of all cancers.
The cancer targets the bones and then spreads to the soft tissues. Oliver had complained of leg pain over a long period before he was given the devastating diagnosis in December 2021.
In memory, Oliver, 65 teachers from his former school - St Hilda's High, in Liverpool - ran a huge 53-mile relay race on Saturday, May 4, the Liverpool ECHO reports.
The big-hearted teachers raised more than £19,000 for Sarcoma UK, a charity that supports those struck down by the disease.
The school staff tackled a gruelling route along the Liverpool and Wirral coastlines and two ferry crossings over the River Mersey. The route then weaved through the city, passing the Albert Dock, through Liverpool ONE shopping centre and up to the Anglican Cathedral.
Organisers Gayle Gilbert and Ben Norton, said: "The outpouring of support from our staff, who collectively ran an incredible 53 miles, is a testament to the profound impact Oliver had on our school community.
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"Raising over £19,000 for Sarcoma UK is a fitting tribute to Oliver's warmth and spirit but also to the bravery of Graeme, Jenny and Ben in sharing Oliver's story, so that others will benefit from our fundraising.
"We are immensely proud of our team's efforts and grateful to everyone who has helped us so far. We are keeping Oliver's memory alive by raising awareness of sarcoma and vital funds for research, ensuring that his legacy continues to help others."
Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Sarcoma UK, said: “The remarkable £19,000 raised by the dedicated staff at St Hilda's School through their gruelling 53-mile relay run is an extraordinary accomplishment.
"This substantial contribution will help to fund life-changing sarcoma research and our support services. We are truly humbled by the teachers’ commitment to honouring Oliver's memory and undertaking such a major challenge to raise vital funds for Sarcoma UK”.
The Park family said: "Oliver had so much more love to offer to this world. He was a very brave warrior who fought until the end. We will love and miss him every single day for the rest of our lives. The power and love we feel from his guiding spirit is all around us and will provide us and his twin brother Ben the strength to carry on."
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