RADIOHEAD star Colin Greenwood will join a team of 22 dads, who have already raised more than £66,000 for a blood cancer charity, to tackle Oxfordshire’s largest triathlon.
The team will join 7,000 others at the Blenheim Palace Triathlon in Woodstock this weekend, in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Team member Dan Clarkson’s daughter Scarlett was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia three years ago when she was six.
Despite initial chemo-therapy, Scarlett, now nine, suffered a relapse and will need ongoing treatment for the next two years.
Mr Greenwood, 44, who lives near the Clarksons in North Oxford, said: “We are very close and we have known each other for a few years and I have seen him go through a lot of the stress, supporting his daughter.
“His courage and Scarlett’s sheer stubborn gumption, in the face of gruelling treatment, has been humbling to see. She has been so brave and her parents try to see that she has as normal a life as possible.”
Following her relapse, Scarlett spent most of December at the John Radcliffe Hospital where she underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroid treatment.
The Dragon School pupil made a rare appearance at home on Christmas Day only to be rushed back to hospital in the evening with a treatment-related infection.
The team – called Scarlett’s Dragons – is now hoping to raise thousands of pounds at the Blenheim event.
Mr Greenwood, who plays bass with the rock band, said: “It’s important because it is such a great cause to support — not just because of Scarlett but because of all the brilliant research that the charity is supporting.
“I have been raising money by tweeting and it’s been fantastic to see people who are interested in Radiohead supporting Scarlett’s Dragons from around the world.”
Mr Clarkson, a director of Lee Marley Brickwork, said he was touched by all the support his family had received.
The 40-year-old added: “The thing that is amazing is the number of people who have donated money. It’s great to know that so many people care enough.
“For complete strangers to take their time and spend their money on something because of Scarlett and her story is very heart-warming.
“It makes you focus on life and what’s important to you rather than worrying about what might happen.”
To support the team, visit virginmoneygiving.com/ DanClarkson
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