The father of a young girl who died of a rare form of cancer earlier this year believes a 4,500-mile charity drive from Hornchurch to Marrakesh would have made his daughter “proud”. 

Isla Caton had fought neuroblastoma for most of her childhood, before passing away in January at the age of seven. 

Hundreds attended her funeral in Upminster, with West Ham Football Club among those paying their condolences after her death. 

A fund was set up in Isla’s memory to support research into neuroblastoma, and today (Wednesday) Isla’s father, Michael Hook, is setting out to drive from Hornchurch to Marrakesh in a 58-plate convertible yellow Saab decorated with memorabilia associated with his daughter. 

Romford Recorder: Michael is doing the drive in his 58-plate convertible SaabMichael is doing the drive in his 58-plate convertible Saab (Image: Michael Hook)

Michael, 52, said the idea came to him about two weeks ago. He and Isla’s mother, Nicola Caton, separated earlier this year, and rather than sitting on his own over Christmas, he said he decided to do something for Isla’s fund. 

The pressures from looking after his daughter “basically destroyed my life”, Michael said, affecting not just his marriage but his work as well. 

“But all that mattered was being with my daughter,” he added. “So now, it’s my time to make her proud.” 

The drive itself will take him through France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and finally Morocco. Setting off on Wednesday, December 21, he hopes to be in Marrakesh for New Year’s Eve, and back in Hornchurch for January 6. 

Romford Recorder: Isla with her mother, Nicola, and father, MichaelIsla with her mother, Nicola, and father, Michael (Image: Ken Mears)

As part of his trip, he will be stopping off at places which represent significant moments in Isla's life, including Barcelona, where she spent two-and-a-half years receiving treatment, and Sitges, where the family lived while in Spain. 

Michael will also be visiting Alicante, near where his mother lives, and where he hopes he will be able to raise a fair bit of money. 

Setting himself a target of raising £100,000, Michael said children’s cancers remain “so underfunded”. 

“It’s unbelieveable really,” he added, though he hopes his drive can go some way to helping support finding a cure for neuroblastoma. 

While he does want to enjoy the trip, Michael said his main goal is “to make Isla proud of her dad”. 

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“Hopefully she’s sitting in heaven, and I’m making her proud.” 

To follow Michael’s trip, you can do so either on Tiktok or Facebook. 

To donate to his fundraiser, visit: www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk/fundraisers/hornchurch-to-marrakech-via-many-places.