A local family have embarked on a series of 21 challenges to mark their son's 21st birthday and to say thank you once again to the charity that gave them much needed support at a time when they needed it.

Ten years ago Nige and Su Crutchley lost their youngest son, Ben, to a brain tumour. Ben's diagnosis was given to the family shortly after Ben's 9th birthday and during his short illness the family were supported by the charity CLIC Sargent, now known as Young Lives vs Cancer. The support offered by the charity proved to be invaluable and the family have fundraised for them ever since.

Young Lives vs Cancer offers support to families facing cancer in a number of different ways, including day to day support for children, young people and their families, financial support and guidance, personal care and support at home and bereavement support. Over the last ten years the Crutchley family, with the support of family and friends, both locally and further afield, have raised over a million pounds for the charity in Ben's memory, ensuring other families can receive the kind of support that was so vital to them.

"Young Lives vs Cancer support thousands of families every year as they face the unimaginable and we are enormously grateful that they've been there for us when needed", said Su. "So to mark Ben's 21st, which is on 8th March 2023, we are taking part in a series of 21 challenges over 21 months, which will all include an element of further fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer."

The first challenge took place on 2nd April this year and involved a walk from their home near Frome to the RUH in Bath, marking the journey that Ben took when Su was taken to the hospital to give birth. Using the cycle paths and passing through the Bath Two Tunnels, the Crutchleys and a few friends completed the 26km walk in 6 hours. The next challenge will be to walk The Cotswold Way 25km on 25th June.

"We are always happy for people to join in with our challenges", said Nige, "and over the years hundreds of people have joined us for runs, walks and cycling challenges and contributed to our fundraising efforts. If anyone wants to get involved with any of our upcoming challenges you can find out more and keep in touch via our Facebook page - just search for 21 Challenges For Ben to find us."

Alternatively if people would like to make a donation go to Young Lives vs Cancer in memory of Ben and to recognise the challenges being undertaken, you can visit the '21challengesforben' JustGiving page.

For further information on the support available from Young Lives vs Cancer visit younglivesvscancer.org.uk