Sixteen-year-old Addison Davis a student at Monkton Wood Academy in Taunton is turning a devastating sports injury into a powerful mission — pledging to run 400km by Christmas Day 2025 to raise awareness and vital support for people affected by cancer.
Addison was a rising football star, she started playing with Taunton Town Youth before being picked up Bristol City U16s and then training with FA Wales. On 28 October 2024 a major knee injury occurred during a normal training session — just one day before her 15th birthday and just as her sporting dreams were coming to life. The injury required ACL repair surgery on 17 January 2025, followed by a lengthy period of recovery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Rather than letting the setback define her, Addison set herself a challenge that combines determination, purpose, and fierce resilience: starting at the end of September she set out to run 400 kilometres — the equivalent of nearly ten marathons — by Christmas Day.
“Not being able to play football was devastating,” Addison says. “And it came at a time when I lost two close family members to cancer in the space of 6 weeks. For many months it was extremely hard, but once I was able to run again I thought if I can turn something negative into something good for people facing their own battles, then every kilometre is worth it.”
Addison is raising money for Cancer Research UK, inspired by the strength of those she has seen face the disease. Her fundraising goal is £2,000 — and she’s already raised £1,500 thanks to the support of family, friends, and the local community.
Her family hopes the story will motivate others experiencing a setback to keep pushing forward.
“We are so incredibly proud of her,” says her mum. “She has shown such courage and maturity — and wants to help others even while she’s still figuring out her own future.”
Addison is continuing her rehabilitation while completing her challenge and hopes that come January, one year on from surgery, she’ll get the all clear from her medical team and will be back on the pitch she loves.
If you can help Addison reach here target here is the fundraising link:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/addison-davis-400km
