Teenagers gave up their time and energy to raise money for young people with cancer by cycling the distance from Colchester to Cardiff.
Sam Doubleday, 16, of West Bergholt, and 15 friends decided to cycle 100km for The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation as part of their National Citizens Service course. But when the group smashed their initial target they decided to see how far they could go. The group also took part in a car wash for teachers at the Stanway School and a non uniform day.
Sam, who is Tom Bowdidge’s cousin, said: “Part of my National Citizens Service course asks for you to do a project in the local community. The 16 of us did a vote and we decided to fundraise for The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation and Mind as both are very personal causes to members of the group.
“Initially we set a goal of collectively cycling 100km between us but as the day went on, we smashed that goal ending up with around 370km instead.
“In a similar way we smashed our goal of £350 raised by the cycling. We have so far raised £466 for the charities, which is an incredible amount, but we think when all the money is in and counted it will be closer to £1,000.
“It’s been a great experience for all of us. Knowing the money we have raised will be helping youngsters with cancer is a great feeling. Hopefully it will make a difference.”
It’s not the first time Sam has helped the Colchester-based Foundation. Last year he created Covid keys to reduce the spread of the virus, donating a third of each sold to the charity.
Nikki Bowdidge, CEO and Founder of The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, said: “We are always overwhelmed by the people who go out of their way to raise money for young people with cancer. They achieve so much and every penny counts.
“But it’s always especially heartwarming when teenagers decide to fundraise. The people they are helping are their age with similar wants and needs for their future. They also happen to have cancer. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to any one of us or our children.
“Sam and his friends have really tested themselves with their fundraising activities. To raise the amount they did is a huge achievement and they should be very proud.”
To find out more about The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation come and have a look at the website.
