"From Hell to the Worlds" - A unique 'Team GBR' Dream!

My name is Lou Ferriman – I’m a two-time World Champion AG UK Elite Obstacle Course Racer and mummy to George (11) and Henry (10).

This year my son’s George, Henry and I have qualified to represent [if funded] the UK as part of the GBR National Team at the World OCR Championships in North America. This is an incredible and unique opportunity to race alongside my sons in this amazing global sport.

I am a UK Elite OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) athlete, personal trainer, junior OCR coach and mum of four. I have competed in elite racing in the UK and represented Team UK in the Euros and World Championships for the last 4 years.

Sport and family are my life. The dream has always been to compete on the global stage but never did I think I 'could' do it alongside George and Henry!

“From Hell to the Worlds” – a unique fundraiser for two incredible boys!

Our lives changed forever when our son George was three - he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, given hours to live and our world, dreams and normality changed forever. It was a version of ‘hell’ that we still to this day cannot totally comprehend.

In those hours, 1000’s of people joined his battle to survive, even Tim Peak messaged him from space! but still, the most important person, for George, was his little brother Henry.

Together they fought side by side, hour by hour, day by day, brothers in arms; until after 12 months, five rounds of chemo, 100's of blood transfusions, horrendous pain and suffering, so many tears, but such strength and determination from one's so small; the battle was won.

Six years later, George still battles every day with Tourette's, ADHD, Autism, PTSD, Sensory processing disorder, dyslexia, trauma-based behaviour issues and more, but always and forever, Henry is stood right next to him, protecting him, supporting him and loving him – now the opportunity to race together and do it on the world stage for Team GBR!

George didn’t just live, he is thriving and as a family we continue to use sport as a weapon against the aftermath of childhood cancer. We found OCR, a community and a passion for a sport that is making all our dreams come true. Now there is just one more – The World Championships in North America in August this year.

We couldn’t make the numbers work this year to go – but I’ve never been beaten so this is why we have stared this Go Fund Me page – We know it’s a big ask for strangers to fulfil our dream, but one thing is for certain we will pay it forward; to inspire other children who face diversity, to show it’s never to late to take up a sport and to show that you can go from “hell to the Worlds” to make sure your dreams come true.

Lou, George and Henry xxx

George's Story Link Follow Lou at: @ocrlou_fitiq on Instagram