The family of a student killed by a speeding driver are hosting a fund raising morning while one of his best friends is in training for a cycling challenge to make dreams come true for terminally ill children.
Tina Butcher and Stephen Green have raised £7,000 for charity since Jamie Butcher was mown down by a driver going at 58mph in a 30mph zone and he was hit when the motorist ran a red light at a crossing.
Now, the couple and one of his best friends are holding the latest round of fund raising events to pay for sick children and their families to visit Santa Claus in Lapland through the When You wish Upon A Star foundation.
Jamie was visiting his parents during a holiday from Leicester University five years ago when a speeding motorist hit him with such force that it sent him flying 44 metres across the road - the length of around four double decker buses.
His mum Tina said: “When we first began we raised £1,000 for RoadPeace, which is a fantastic charity raising awareness of road safety issues.
“Since then we now fund trips for youngsters to visit Lapland so we can provide happy memories for other families.
“We hope that every bit helps, we are always grateful to everybody who supports us.”
Earlier this year Jamie’s parents wrote a blog for Cambridgeshire Police in support of an anti speeding campaign.
Their blog says: “You couldn’t have asked for a nicer lad. He was intelligent, soft hearted, always there to help others. He had a huge circle of friends. He was perfect.
“There’s not a day that goes by when we don’t think about him. There’s not many days gone by when one of us hasn’t shed a tear for him.
“You watch the news every day and you hear about people being killed on the roads. You take a moment and think but then you carry on with your life.
“Until it happens to you. Then you are in a nightmare... that stays with you and your family for the rest of your life.
“Being behind the wheel of a car is like guiding a missile. Just a few miles per hour over the limit and you might shed a few seconds off your journey but you’ll leave people like us with a lifetime of heartache.”
Jamie was killed in February 2011 and since then his family has received a prestigious award recognising their contribution to tackling devastating road casualties and ensuring justice for victims’ families.
• A pre-loved jumble sale is at Onyx Court in Wisbech on Saturday June 18 from 10am to 2pm.
• Jamie’s friend Zoe Slaw is taking part in a 28 mile cycling challenge called the Strawberry Ride in the summer.
She said: “He wanted to make a difference to the world and was one of the kindest and fun people I have ever known.
“He was there for everyone, with whatever they needed - a hug, a night out, someone to talk to. He was taken far too young.
“His favourite charity was When You Wish Upon a Star. It’s a wonderful way to give sick children some happiness and give them time away from hospital and just being kids.
“Please donate what you can for this amazing charity and in memory of an incredible man - Jamie. Anything, however small or big will be much appreciated.”
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