Liam Fairhurst

Liam Fairhurst, a very brave young fundraiser for CLIC Sargent, has been named as a “Child of Courage” at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards 2008.     Liam was presented with his award by Sir Richard Branson and Olympic Gold Medallist, Rebecca Adlington.

Now in its 10th year, Pride of Britain has become the biggest national event of its kind, celebrating the achievements of our country’s unsung heroes.

Liam has been tirelessly fundraising for CLIC Sargent for some years and to date he has raised over £250,000k, despite his own battle with cancer. 

At such a young age, he has had to cope with cancer and has undergone gruelling treatment, but instead of focusing on himself and his own suffering, he has been determined to help other children and young people who are struggling through the same difficult journey.  

Despite losing a friend to cancer while battling the disease himself, Liam set out on a mission to raise £150,000 to help other children with the same illness.   Liam has the ability to inspire and motivate others, and this has been proved by the phenomenal amount of money he has raised and encouraged people to donate.

Not only has he raised very much needed income, but he has done an enormous amount to make people more aware of what having childhood cancer is like, and how hard it is, not just for the children but for the whole family.

His journey began in 2005 when he was diagnosed with a tumour in his left leg at just 10-years-old. During his treatment, Liam became friends with 12-year-old Jack Wilkinson, who was also suffering from cancer.

Throughout their time together in hospital, Jack gave Liam the strength to endure seven courses of chemotherapy, six weeks of daily radiotherapy and an operation to remove the tumour - along with half of his thigh muscle.

Tragically Jack lost his fight with the disease in August 2006. Devastated but determined to honour his friend, Liam dedicated himself to raising enough money to pay for a holiday home for families living with childhood cancer to visit in between treatment.

"I wanted to make sure Jack's memory would live on and that we would have something to remember him by that other people could enjoy. It's what he would have wanted," said Liam.

Although barely able to walk, he bravely pledged to complete a one mile sponsored swim in dedication to his friend.

"Liam's a fighter and we feel blessed to have him in our family - he's the one who has made us stronger and just seeing him doing what he believes in makes you value life more and more every day," says mum Sarah, 41.