Thousands of pounds has been raised through two events for a Soham-based charity that supports families of children across the country who are affected by cancer, disabilities and illness.
Callum Fairhurst was among a trio of teenagers who cycled 250 miles from London to Paris to raise money for the Liam Fairhurst Foundation, a charity set up in memory of his brother who died in 2009 after being diagnosed with soft tissue cancer of the leg and lungs.
The cycle ride saw former Soham Village College pupil Callum join students Vicky and Kirsty Moffat in a route stretching from London to Newhaven and then Dieppe to Paris which he said spread across some of the most beautiful areas of the two countries.
Just two days before the marathon bike ride Callum was among a group of 26 people who raised more than £10,000 by skydiving out of a plane at a parachute centre in the Fens.
Callum, who deals with administration and social media for the Foundation, said: “Some people think it’s a lot to do but there are 24 hours in a day and you might as well fill them.
“The bike ride was independent, with no back up vehicle to carry spares and luggage, the weight of the luggage and bikes made the ride even harder but it was a great experience,” he said.
The skydive involved young people from around the country who contacted the charity saying they would like to do something to help.
The foundation got them together in a one-day extravaganza where they jumped out of a plane at 12,000 feet at the North London Parachute Centre, near March.
Liam Fairhurst was responsible for raising £340,000 at the time of dying from cancer aged 14 in 2009 and was the inspiration for the foundation.
It helps young people by giving grants to families to help pay for necessities whilst at hospital, providing once in a lifetime wishes to children and helping to fund wheelchairs, nurses and sensory rooms.
Liam was recognized for his fund-raising achievements by receiving numerous awards including Pride Of Britain Child of Courage and Channel 5’s Britain’s Kindest Kid.
His memory lives on thanks to his family and especially his brother Callum’s drive and passion for fund raising.
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