Solihull karate school to take on charity challenge - The Solihull Observer

Solihull karate school to take on charity challenge

Solihull Editorial 15th Nov, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

A KARATE school in Solihull will put its endurance skills to the test during a 24-hour charity ‘Karate-thon’ this weekend – inspired by one of its members’ battles with a rare type of cancer.

The Team Black Belt Karate school will host the mammoth task at its dojo on Lode Lane, Solihull, this Saturday (November 14).

Money raise will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust to help support Ewings Sarcoma Team Black Belt student Tanya Henderson who contracted the extremely rare type of cancer – diagnosed 30 times in the UK each year – in July this year.

Ewing Sarcoma is a type of bone cancer and has affected Tanya at the base of her skull in the form of a tumour she has named Terry.




The 21-year-old has also lost sight in her left eye and has just been approved for proton beam therapy in the USA.

Now a second degree black belt, Tanya joined Team Black Belt in 2006 when she was just 11.


Tanya has been receiving full support from her club and instructor Michael Turbitt was delighted.

He said: “We’ve already raised £1,500 so we’re well on our way to reaching the £3,000 target that we’d love to achieve.

“Tanya was treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital – it was only natural for us to support her and she’s delighted with the support she’s received.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge as it’s the first charity event the club has ever done, however we’re looking forward to it and everyone involved has the right attitude.”

Instructors will travel from all over the country to take part in Saturday’s event – even two expert karate instructors will skype in from America to lead one session.

Ten people will see out the entire 24-hour duration, whilst over one hundred others will join in to support for hourly sessions.

With people aged from five up to their late 50s taking part, Michael was excited to be hosting such a large-scale karate event at his club.

To donate to the teenage cancer trust and help support Team Black Belt in their £3,000 charity attempt, visit: www.justgiving.com/KickOutCancer24 or www.teamblackbelt.com

Tanya’s story can be followed online at www.tanyavsterryacancerjourney.wordpress.com

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