Inspirational teenager
287. Callum Fairhurst
Callum received his award from the PM at 10 Downing Street before setting off on his biggest challenge to date, a round the world bike ride covering over 18,000 miles over the next eight months.
The ‘Challenge 360’ cycle will see him make his way through Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Europe and along the East and West Coasts of America, aiming to raise £100,000.
Callum Fairhurst set up the Liam Fairhurst foundation with his parents Mark and Sarah after his brother Liam died of cancer in 2009. Shortly after being diagnosed with cancer Liam started fundraising for CLIC Sargent, the charity for children with cancer, and raised a phenomenal £380,000. Inspired by Liam’s legacy Callum set up the Liam Fairhurst Foundation and began fundraising in his brother’s name.
Callum has undertaken a number of physical challenges including cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End and completing a virtual row across the English Channel, all in memory of his brother. Along the way he has secured support from celebrities eager to help his cause including Dragon’s Den Duncan Bannatyne and George Osborne. So far he has raised £150,000 which has helped countless families in and around East Anglia. Callum also organised a trip to Eurodisney for twenty families, many of which have children in palliative care, to provide some magical memories and moments to treasure.
The Liam Fairhurst Foundation helps disadvantaged young people, especially those affected by cancer or disabilities. The money Callum raises helps to fund nurse care, cover travel costs and pay for holidays and final wishes. He has been previously recognized with the prestigious Gold Blue Peter badge in recognition for his outstanding fundraising efforts.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I am hugely impressed with Callum’s incredible passion for fundraising and delighted to personally award him with his Points of Light award. His brother Liam is obviously still such an inspiration and I wish Callum all the best in his round the world bike ride.”
Callum said: “I’m so honoured to be recognised by the Prime Minister through the Points of Lights scheme, I of course feel undeserving of this accolade – especially in the presence of so many incredible Points of Lights holders who tirelessly dedicate themselves to their communities and demonstrate human spirit at its finest.”
Callum’s MP Lucy Frazer said: “I have had the pleasure of getting to know Callum well over the past year. He is an exceptional young man who thoroughly deserves this award. He continues to campaign effectively for young people suffering illness through the charity setup in memory of his late brother, Liam. I wish him all the best for the world bike ride he is about to embark upon and would encourage anyone to support him in this ambitious endeavour.”