Charity fundraiser goes the extra mile

SCHOOLBOY fundraiser Jonjo Heuerman took his fundraising from Kent to Northern Ireland for the first time as he embarked on a walk from Laurencetown, to Belfast last week

The 11-year-old covered 24 miles in three days between April 4 and 6, raising money for Cancer Research UK. Jonjo is no stranger to exceptional sponsored walks and he has recently completed his third and most ambitious 66 mile walk in London from West Ham to Wembley and back.

So far Jonjo has raised an incredible £105,000. He was inspired to start raising money for Cancer Research UK after his beloved Nanny Lyn died of bowel cancer in February 2009, aged just 60.

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The walk was in memory of his Great Grandad and his Great Grandmother, who both died from cancer, and was between their resting places in Northern Ireland, in a bid to raise even more vital funds.

Mum Donna, speaking before the walk, said: “Jonjo loves walking to help raise awareness and much need funds for Cancer Research UK. He is very excited to be walking in Ireland where he has a huge family in Belfast. He is very much hoping that people will come and join him and spur him along.”

Jonjo has attracted celebrity support from Rio and Anton Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Cilla Black, Gaby Roslin, Paul Ross and West Ham joint owner David Gold.

In addition, he has won several awards including the Diana ‘Young Fundraiser’ Award and Spirit of London ‘National Campaigner’ Award for his exceptional fundraising.

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Lindsey Richardson, fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, said: “Jonjo continues to impress us year after year with his determination to go on raising funds. It’s a huge challenge for him and his whole family and we are forever grateful for all the effort they put in. The funds they raise will help us further on our way to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.”

Jonjo was close to his Granny, as she was nursed at home during her illness. Since her death he has completed a walk every year close to the anniversary date in February. Jonjo’s great grandfather (who also died of cancer) is buried in Laurencetown and the walk started from there to his grandmother’s resting place in Milltown Cemetery.

With 10,000 followers on twitter and facebook, word of his endeavours soon spread, and people contacted him asking if he would walk for their loved one. Now Jonjo wears a t-shirt with names of loved ones who have died from cancer, from as far afield as Australia, Sweden, Italy, Norway and France.

If you would like to add the name of a loved one who has died from cancer, or register to walk part of the way with Jonjo, please contact www.jonjosirelandwalk.moonfruit.com

To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Jonjoswalk