CHAMPION Soham fund-raiser, Liam Fairhurst, received a top award today (Thursday) for his outstanding contribution to the community. Liam, 11, who fought cancer, has raised up to £70,000 for children s cancer charity CLIC Sargent and received the Diana, P

CHAMPION Soham fund-raiser, Liam Fairhurst, received a top award today (Thursday) for his outstanding contribution to the community.

Liam, 11, who fought cancer, has raised up to £70,000 for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and received the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award during a special presentation at Soham Village College.

He launched his appeal with a mile-long swim and a target of just £5,000.

But the campaign fired the imagination and Liam was awarded £50,000 from the TV programme, Million Pound Giveaway.

With the appeal fund growing ever bigger, Liam was chosen for the award because of his inspirational qualities that are demonstrated through his commitment and work in the field of CLIC Sargent fund-raising.

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award was launched nationwide in April 2000 to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by many secondary school students to their schools and communities.

The award is given to those students nominated by their schools for youth participation or volunteering, selfless service to others or to those who show outstanding qualities in overcoming adverse circumstances.

Soham Village College assistant principal, Stephen Kenna, said: "Liam has worked very hard. He has achieved a national standard.