Liam’s TV appeal won over judges
When parents receive the devastating news their child has cancer, it comes as a terrible shock. They will face huge emotional ups and downs, and the child s illness will test all the family members physically, emotionally, socially and financially. Thanks
When parents receive the devastating news their child has cancer, it comes as a terrible shock.
They will face huge emotional ups and downs, and the child's illness will test all the family members physically, emotionally, socially and financially.
Thanks, in part, to research and the work organisations such as CLIC Sargent have done over many years, the outlook for a child who is diagnosed with cancer is more hopeful.
Seven out of 10 children will survive. But to fund research and help children with cancer and their families, charities like CLIC Sargent need to raise money.
Liam Fairhurst is seen as figurehead for CLIC Sargent in this region and through his determination and plucky personality he has managed to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
In January, Liam was thrust under the national media spotlight when he gave a deeply emotional pitch to the ITV show Million Pound Giveaway and won £50,000 to fund a holiday home for CLIC Sargent.
Most Read
- 1 Back garden log cabin needs permission says council
- 2 Preschool 'special in people's hearts' to close after more than 30 years
- 3 BMX star, 11, hopes world debut can lead to Olympics dream
- 4 Daughter pays tribute to model engineer who 'tried his hand at anything'
- 5 Change of plan for A142 Mepal bridge works as July closures announced
- 6 ‘It’s sadly coming to a natural end’ - restaurant to close its doors by August
- 7 This Grade II listed Georgian home in Ely could be yours for £575,000
- 8 ‘Inspirational’ teacher, Esmeralda, honoured in national teaching awards
- 9 21st century agreement on future of 17th century pub
- 10 Platinum Jubilee: The Queen's visits to Cambridgeshire in pictures
The panel of five millionaires, Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordon, Ann Summers director Jacqueline Gold, entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne, Mobo founder Kanya King and novelist Jeffrey Archer were all touched by Liam's address.
He told the panel how he was trying to raise money for the holiday home in memory of his friend Jack Wilkinson, who at the age of 12 had lost his battle with cancer.
"Appearing on the show was the icing on the cake for Liam, who has personally raised more than £13,000 for CLIC Sargent," said Liam's dad Mark.
"Jack and Liam became good friends while undergoing treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
"Being of a similar age they went through a long and difficult journey. Jack's death was devastating for Liam and at least now he has achieved something in his memory.
"Our family couldn't have got through Liam's illness without the help of CLIC Sargent and it is so nice to give something back.
"When your child has cancer it is difficult to even think about a holiday, let along pack up and go.
"A holiday can take away the stress and allow families some much-needed quality time together.
