A Soham man is fulfilling a promise made to his dying big brother when he was 12 years old that he would live a brilliant life in his memory.
Callum Fairhurst was determined that his teenage sibling Liam’s death from cancer in 2009 would not be forgotten and as a tribute to him is in the middle of a fund raising round the world cycle trip.
The adventure has already raised £15,000 to help sick children and their families and his travel blogs have prompted people to join him for sections of the incredible journey.
“Liam inspired me,” said Callum of his brother, after pedalling across Australia and New Zealand to reach Thailand.
“In his final moments I made a promise to him, that I would live a brilliant life and try to help others whilst doing it. This challenge is ticking both of those boxes.
It was in 2005 that Liam was diagnosed with cancer. He was 10 and Callum was eight.
“Liam didn’t want to feel sorry for himself, he wanted to help others and start fund raising.
“Liam defied all odds, given just days left to live when he was 12. Sadly he passed away in June 2009.
In his short life Liam was responsible for raising £340,000 directly and a further £7million by spearheading a campaign that led to the launch of the Liam Fairhurst Foundation which Callum heads up to help sick children and their families across the UK.
He said of the bike ride: “This journey isn’t about speed, its about seeing the world but also helping others across the countries I visit.
“I’m attempting to average around 100 miles every day - with some days seeing me push that to 200 miles.
“Coming from the flat fens, a hill to me is a pile of mud so when I visit countries like New Zealand and Switzerland I’m in for a shock.
“This challenge is going to be one hell of a ride.”
The ride was officially launched at Downing Street including a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron.
Callum is currently in Thailand where he said: “Somehow lots of people in Thailand have got on board with the cycle - I’m amazed at the sheer number of messages received and riders joining over the past week.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/worldcycle and read blogs at www.challenge360.org.
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