In April 2026, Sarah Weighell took on a Hyrox challenge to honour the life and memory of her mother, Shirley, and to raise funds for GI cancer trials.
In February 2025, Shirley was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer. After a short but courageous battle, she sadly passed away on 22 October 2025.
The Hyrox challenge became a way for Sarah to celebrate her mother’s strength while turning her grief into something meaningful.
Sarah was struck by how often oesophageal cancer is diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options are limited and survival rates remain low. She wanted to raise awareness and to highlight how vital funding is for GI cancer research.
Crossing the Hyrox finish line after months of training was an emotional moment. Sarah knew her mum would have been proud.
“All I kept thinking was how much my mum had endured over the last 12 months, and how strong she remained through treatment and her final days. She kept me going.”
“She was often the one holding it together for everyone else, even when she didn’t have to be.”
Sarah (left) with Shirley and her family.
Sarah’s Hyrox partner also played a great role in getting her through the challenge, offering constant encouragement, and together they even managed perfect wall balls, something Sarah still laughs about.
Some of her most treasured memories Sarah has of Shirley are her legendary pigs in blankets and Yorkshire puddings that the family still tries to recreate; camping trips filled with friends, laughter, and early-morning bacon sandwiches for more than 20 people.
“She never stopped showing up for us, in the big moments, and the small ones that mattered most.”
Sarah has raised over $2,100 for oesophageal cancer research. We are deeply grateful for her strength and generosity, which are helping to support better treatment options for future patients.