Jarryd's Sunflower Sky Hike 2024

The Sunflower Sky Hike started in 2007 raising funds for a little girl called Jade, who passed from cancer at the tender age of eight. Fast forward to 2024 and this year the Sunflower Sky Hike, will be celebrating Jarryd’s journey.

Hi, my name is Mandy Tyrer and I am Jarryd Nurden's mom. My husband Ian and I have continued this legacy for Jade, annually, hiking up Sani Pass, South Africa to Lesotho, to raise awareness and funds for a special someone afflicted with the Big C and sharing proceeds with a charity. What a privilege it will be to hike this year, for our own son, Jarryd. The hike is all about supporting and spoiling someone currently experiencing cancer, remembering those who have passed from cancer and celebrating with those who have survived their journey.

Jarryd was diagnosed with a carcinoid lung tumor in February 2023, on the same day that he signed his dream West End show. Most carcinoid tumors are benign, and the doctor was happy to schedule keyhole surgery two days after the close of We Will Rock You, Coliseum, London. A few weeks later the curve-ball was thrown. The tumor diagnosis was malignant. Major surgery was scheduled to remove the lower lobe to remove all traces of the cancer in October. A shark-bite through the back ribs. Open surgery with a hospital stay of 4-6 days which turned into four weeks as the lung would not seal. Finally, there was light at the end of the tunnel but then an infection set in. A third operation was scheduled between Christmas and New Year for a lung wash and seal. Bigger open surgery than before. Another four weeks in hospital, and Jarryd was challenged with fevers, rashes, and a continuing lung leak. Much healing still to go. Jarryd still has a drain into his lung and a flutterbag by his side 24/7. Once the lung has healed, he can come home to South Africa to start his rehabilitation back to full West End strength!

My proudest moments have been in that hospital room, bigger than any stage debut. Listening and seeing how pragmatically Jarryd has processed this experience! Dreaming and imagining what else is possible!

We would love you to join us for a Sunflower Sky Hike in Hyde Park, London, on the 23rd June or hike up Sani Pass, Drakensburg Mountains, South Africa, on the 16th June, Sunday, Father’s Day. We all, at times, have our own mountain to climb!

If you love Jarryd and Sunflowers, join us paying it forward!

If you are a cancer survivor, come celebrate life with us!

If you have a loved one who lost their battle to cancer, join us in celebrating their life ❤

We will raise healing contributions for Jarryd and pay it forward to various charities. Rainbow & Smiles supporting children with cancer, as well as the incredible Actors Benevolent Fund.

Bring those beautiful and bright Sunflowers and a big Smile or do a virtual hike near you! Let’s go Global! Just donate, take a photograph and share to our Facebook group: Sunflower Sky Hike 2024. All information about the various hikes will be included in the Facebook group.

Jarryd has said that his biggest motivation through this brutal experience has been listening and reading the survival stories of others who have fought and beaten cancer. It is his wish to pay it forward once he has fully healed. We so appreciate you!

This Phoenix is Rising! Proudest mom, Mandy

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