Winterton teenager raises £25k in memory of friend who died from rare form of leukaemia
A TEENAGER who began fundraising after his friend died has smashed the £25,000 barrier.
Daniel Redhead, 18, who runs the Winterton and District branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, had originally hoped to drum up £800. But he has now raised more than £25,500 for the cause.
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Daneil Redhead who runs the Winterton and District Branch
Daniel launched the branch more than two-and-a-half years ago.
It was set up in memory of former Winterton Comprehensive School pupil James Neal, who died of a rare form of leukaemia in 2010, aged 14.
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Daniel said: "We started the charity in 2010 after James passed away, and set up a week-long fundraising event.
"We filled three days with a variety of fun events including cake sales and a paper aeroplane competition.
"We originally set a target of £800, but we smashed this after the first event and collected in excess of £2,700.
"It went so well and was really good, so the following summer we decided to continue raising money for the charity and set up a branch.
"I never thought we would reach this total – it is mind-blowing.
"We now have a huge fundraising team that mostly consists of young people.
"I keep watching the total grow and am really proud of what we have achieved."
The majority of the money has been raised by fundraising days and an event called the Winterton big copper count-up.
The copper count-up appeal involves a large container being sent to different places around Winterton, looking for donations of small change.
The team has also hosted a huge array of events, including a range of school talent shows, concerts, a disco and family fun day.
Daniel said: "We are over the moon to smash £25,500 – it is unbelievable.
"We cannot thank everyone enough for the money donated.
"We sincerely hope that our money will go a small way to helping find a cure for blood cancers.
"Everyone's support means that we are helping to save lives."
The next event Daniel is helping organise is a masquerade ball at the Wortley House Hotel, Scunthorpe, on March 16.
Daniel said: "We want to continue to raise as much money for the charity as we can.
"We also want to organise a branch video so people can see what we are about.
"The copper count-up is also still on-going.
"It has recently left Gray's Butchers before moving to Chats last week and the total collected was £400."
3 Comments
by JohnJohn2011
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 10:37AM
“This young lad should be well proud of his achievements to help others, Winterton and surrounding areas should be prouder of him. He is an inspiration to all other youngsters, young people get a bad press most of the time. This story for once throws a good light on some of our young people. It is a shame though that as a country we have to rely so much on charity donations for medical care or research from normal good people because our tax money is wasted on other things.”
by DFlated
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 10:03AM
“Excellent - keep up the good work.”
by scunnyexile
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 9:39AM
“Congratulations to you all! A magnificent effort.”