Liam's journey

CLIC Sargent would like to celebrate the achievements of Liam Fairhurst from Cambridgeshire, who raised over £320,000 for the Charity since being diagnosed with cancer in 2005 at the age of 10.

What was remarkable about Liam was that despite his own illness, he always focused on other children and young people in a similar situation.  As he would have wanted, this is a time to reflect not just on him alone, but all children and young people and families across the country who are affected by childhood cancer.

Liam’s fundraising journey was extraordinary and lead him from a traditional sponsored swim to being the recipient of the Diana Award, Britain’s Kindest Kid Award and a Child of Courage Award.

Through his bravery, and by telling his story, Liam inspired his local community – and beyond – to raise money in his name.  He also met, and moved, Prime Minister Gordon Brown who mentioned Liam’s remarkable work to the Labour Party Conference.

Described as a ‘Superstar Fundraiser’ and most recently via his Facebook page ‘A True Legend’, Liam motivated countless people to help CLIC Sargent, all whilst living with cancer himself.

Sadly Liam died on 30th June 2009, aged 14. 

His outstanding effort and achievement will not be forgotten.

Liam's fundraising journey for CLIC Sargent

• July 2005 - Liam is diagnosed with cancer (synovial sarcoma) in his leg and undergoes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
• August 2006 - After losing his best friend, Jack, to bladder cancer Liam sets out on a fundraising drive in his memory to help other children with cancer.
• December 2006 - Liam starts his fundraising with a one-mile sponsored swim which raised over £12,000.
• January 2007 - Liam appears on ITV’s Fortune Million Pound Giveaway and persuades a panel of millionaires including Duncan Bannatyne to donate over £50,000 to fund a CLIC Sargent holiday home – Liam and Jack’s Haven – which opens later that year.
• March 2007 - Liam is re-diagnosed with cancer in his lung but this doesn’t deter him from setting a new target to raise £100,000
• June 2007 - His fundraising achievements are recognised with a Diana Award, presented by Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP.
• July 2007 - With the help of his local community and media Liam smashes his £100,000 target and a year later he tops £200,000 by fronting an appeal to CLIC Sargent supporters.
• July 2008 – Liam is recognised by the Institute of Fundraising as Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at an industry ceremony.
• August 2008 - With his fundraising total standing at around £250,000, Liam is voted Britain’s Kindest Kid in a Five News/Charities Aid Foundation competition.
• October 2008 - Liam’s selfless determination to continue fundraising leads to a Child of Courage Award, presented by Sir Richard Branson and Rebecca Adlington, at the Pride of Britain Awards in London. 
• June 2009 - At present Liam’s phenomenal fundraising total for CLIC Sargent stands at more than £320,000 to help other children and young people with cancer.