3,000‑Push‑Up Challenge for Teenage Cancer Trust
An 18‑year‑old from Ivybridge is taking on a month‑long physical challenge to raise money and awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust — and he’s hoping people in Totnes and the South Hams will get behind him.
Ashton Stanley, who previously featured in the Pulse for organising a community litter pick in Totnes with his friend Louis Whittlesea, has set himself the task of completing 3,000 push ups in June. That’s 100 every day for 30 days, with daily updates posted across TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. “It meant a lot to us to be mentioned last time,” Ashton said. “The support really encouraged us. This time I wanted to do something real to help young people facing cancer.”
His mum has even joined in — managing five push ups, which Ashton says “meant a lot” because of the support behind it.
Supporting young people with cancer
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated entirely to supporting 13‑ to 24‑year‑olds with cancer. The organisation builds specialist units in NHS hospitals, funds expert nurses and youth workers, and provides emotional and practical support so young people don’t have to face cancer alone.
Crucially, the charity receives no government or NHS funding, relying entirely on donations.
More than six young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and cases have been rising over the past two decades — particularly among young women. Many young people also report delays in being taken seriously when first seeking medical help.
Local support already growing
In the first six days of the challenge, Ashton has raised £214 in donations, plus £46 in Gift Aid, bringing the total to £260. He says the encouragement from people locally and online has been “amazing”. “I’d love to share my story again so more people in Totnes and the surrounding area can learn about the life‑changing work Teenage Cancer Trust does,” he said. “Even just spreading the word helps.”
Follow or donate
Ashton is posting daily progress videos throughout June. His fundraising page is here: support.teenagecancertrust.org/fundraisers/ashtonstanley