Liam Fairhurst from Soham wins national TV competition:
Britain's Kindest Kids
7 August 2008
Thirteen year old Liam
Fairhurst from Soham has won Britain’s Kindest Kids, the
competition organised by Five News and the Charities Aid
Foundation.
Liam started fundraising in 2006 with a sponsored one mile swim
after undergoing gruelling treatment and an operation to remove a
tumour in his leg. His target was £1,000 but he raised £12,000. He
then appeared on ITV’s “Fortune Million Pound Giveaway” and was
awarded £50,741 to fund a caravan in Yorkshire where families
affected by childhood cancer can take a much deserved break. Today,
he has raised over £250,000 for children’s cancer charity CLIC
Sargent.
Viewers of Five News voted for Liam after seeing a film about
his amazing work for charity. He has won £1,000 pocket money
and £1,000 in CAF Charity Vouchers.
Liam said: “I’d like the other finalists to get
some of the money because they deserve it too. I’d like them to
have £200 for each of their charities.” Liam is also giving some of
his prize to his family: “I’m going to spend £200 on
something I’d like. I’m going to give each family member the same
amount and spend the remaining £200 on something for all the
family”.
Natasha Kaplinsky, Five News presenter said:
“Liam Fairhurst is such a special young man, he stood out for lots
of different reasons. I actually asked if there was a typing error
because he’s raised so much money. He is so dedicated, he is so
kind and on top of that he is absolutely lovely”.
John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid
Foundation, said: “Britain’s Kindest Kids proves beyond
doubt that there are some incredible young people in this country.
Liam is an inspiration to us all.”
Britain’s Kindest Kids was set up to recognise and reward the
charitable work done by children aged 16 years and under.
Applicants had to demonstrate acts of real kindness: either giving
up their free time, or raising money to help a charity or good
cause.
Media contacts
Charities Aid Foundation
George Leigh
T: 0207 832 3072
E: gleigh@cafonline.org
Mandy Pursey
T: 0207 832 3012
M: 07740 449 491
E:mpursey@cafonline.org
Five News
Kay Breeze
T: 020 7550 5659