Sit, Forrest, Sit! – 18,000-Seat Challenge for Childhood Cancer Charities
#CancerFundraiser #WindsorParkChallenge #ChildhoodCancer #SpeedSitting #GiveBack #YoungLivesVsCancer #CancerFundForChildren
A dedicated father from Newtownards is taking on an extraordinary challenge to raise money for two charities that supported his family during his son’s battle with cancer.
Jonathan Forrest will attempt to speed sit in all 18,000 seats at Windsor Park—home of Northern Ireland’s national football team and Linfield FC—in a grueling challenge to raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children and Young Lives vs Cancer.
The event, set for Sunday, April 6, will see Jonathan and his brother-in-law, Jake Forsythe, share the massive task, which is expected to take 10-12 hours to complete.
“It’s all about giving back to the charities that helped us through Reuben’s diagnosis, treatment, and recovery—they were fantastic,” said Jonathan.
A Father’s Mission After Son’s Cancer Battle
Jonathan’s five-year-old son, Reuben, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023. Throughout his treatment, Young Lives vs Cancer provided crucial accommodation at Paul’s House, located near Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, allowing the Forrest family to stay together during an incredibly difficult time.
“With my other son Oliver only six months old at the time, having somewhere close by was vital rather than constantly traveling back and forth,” Jonathan explained.
Cancer Fund for Children also played a key role in supporting Reuben and his family during treatment, offering on-ward support and family events.
“Not long after Reuben finished treatment, we had a family stay at their therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle. It was the first time we all did something together outside of the hospital,” Jonathan shared.
Now 18 months post-treatment, Reuben is back to doing what he loves, playing football for First Bangor Juniors and cricket at Bangor Cricket Club.
Fundraising Target Nears Completion
With the challenge just days away, Jonathan admits the nerves are setting in:
“I was at the Northern Ireland game with Reuben the other week, looking around the stadium, and it seemed a lot bigger than I expected—but we’re ready to take it on.”
Jonathan and Jake have already raised over £6,800 towards their £7,500 target, with support from local businesses, Victoria Primary School, and Reuben’s sports clubs.
Charities Grateful for Support
Naomi Braithwaite, Family Fundraising Officer at Cancer Fund for Children, praised the challenge:
“We are so incredibly grateful to Jonathan, Jake, and their wider family. Reuben is a wonderful child, and the fact that his family is now using their experience to help others is truly humbling.”
Meanwhile, Ben Green, Northern Ireland Fundraising Engagement Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, highlighted the impact of their fundraising efforts:
“Families facing childhood cancer go through unimaginable challenges. Thanks to incredible supporters like Jonathan and Jake, we can continue to provide vital services like Paul’s House so families can stay together during treatment.”
How to Support Jonathan & Jake’s Stadium Challenge
Those wishing to donate and support the Windsor Park Sit-Down for Cancer Challenge can do so via:
Every contribution helps ensure that children with cancer and their families continue to receive the support they need.
#SupportChildhoodCancer #WindsorPark #FundraisingChallenge #GivingBack #FootballForACause
