What is the Octopus Challenge Fund?

The Octopus Challenge Fund was set up in 2002 in memory of Sam Roden-Scott, an outgoing, enthusiastic and enormously popular young man who died of a very rare from of cancer at the age of 17 years old. Sam’s motto was to live every day to the full. He was a popular student and a keen sportsman with a passion for rugby, cycling and scuba diving, which is how the Octopus Challenge got its name. Even in the last few months of his life Sam defied his illness by actively participating in competitions and events, many of which involved fundraising for charity. Just nine weeks before he died, Sam cycled 26 miles through London for charity. As a tribute to his son, Gregg Scott set up the ‘Octopus Challenge Fund’ in order to raise funds to support two CancerBACUP nurses for a whole year.

The Octopus Challenge Fund has raised over £367,000 since it began in September 2002. This has helped CancerBACUP increase its capacity and reach even more people living with cancer. 

In 2004, the Octopus Challenge cycle-a-thon and related events raised an amazing £137,000 for CancerBACUP.

This year, we are delighted that the Octopus Challenge will continue to support CancerBACUP with the funding of a specialist cancer information nurse. The main event, like last year, will be a cycle ride from Paris, ending with a celebration street party in the heart of the Notting Hill community on Sunday 18th September.

If you are interested in finding out more about this year’s Challenge, please click this link to take you through to the Octopus Challenge website: this site is being developed now and updated details will be posted as soon as they become available.

Sam Roden-Scott

17 Feb 1984 – 21 Sept 2001

Free Spirit
By Greg Scott

Sam was a free spirit
Who lived life to the very full
He loved everyone
There was no age limit
To do nothing
Was boring and dull

Sam captivated the hearts of all that he met
Was it, his personality, his smile, or his charm?
He had more connections than the Internet
People would always extend out their palm

He enjoyed everything that was lively and fun
Music, sports, were his favourites for sure,
He was not just content to sit in the sun
But to swim, dive or dance on the floor

Even when he was diagnosed,
With that terrible tumour
He shrugged off his possible death
He faced life with bravery and humour
So positive to his final breath

Sam was and is still a free spirit
Even though now he is not of this earth
I feel the warmth of his voice
“Yes I hear it”
He helped me to pen this verse.