Cookham boy taking on the world after surviving cancer as a toddler

An 11-year-old Cookham boy who narrowly served death from cancer as a toddler will be taking part in a sporting world championship this summer alongside his brother and mother.

George Ferriman has been given a wild card entry into the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships in Costa Rica.

George started treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia days before his third birthday. He was ‘hours from death,’ say his family – but has been in remission from the disease for seven years now.

He still finds life a challenge as an autistic boy with ADHD, Tourette’s, sensory processing disorder and PTSD from his extreme cancer treatments - but is now ‘thriving’ thanks to his passion in life: obstacle course racing.

His mother, Lou Ferriman, 43, is a top-ranked UK OCR athlete, personal trainer, junior OCR coach and mum of four.

She said the sport has been ‘such an inclusive and supportive environment’ for her children, with its ‘diverse and accepting community’.

“George never ceases to amaze me,” said Lou.

“He’s had a lot of trauma and challenges in his life so far, but when he’s on the rigs [large technical climbing frames], he’s totally focussed and in control.

“He just loves it. To be given this chance again is just fantastic for him, I just hope we can make it happen and get there this August.”

Lou took up the sport ‘almost by accident’ five years ago after completing several ultra running challenges raising money for charities that helped George when he was having his cancer treatments.

She qualified for the European Championships, was signed up by a coach from OCR team Rumble Fitness and ‘hasn’t looked back.’

George has accompanied Lou to training sessions with Rumble Fitness since the beginning.

Now George is part of the Team GB youth team and is currently fourth in the UK Junior Ninja League.

George will be embarking on his adventure to Costa Rica alongside his mother and brother, also both participating.

His younger brother Henry, nearly 10, qualified for his age group at the 2024 event and has ‘a great chance’ of a medal.

Lou said: “Both boys train so hard and love what they do, so to have this opportunity to compete with them at the World Championships is just amazing.”

Ultimately, the family would love to find sponsors for Lou and the boys to help with all their ongoing costs of training and competing.

But their immediate concern is being able to get to the World Championships in Costa Rica this summer.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family get there, which can be found at https://gofund.me/a28f7c67 

They will also be hosting a fundraising event on July 6.