
THE Crutchley family moved one step closer to their mammoth £1million fundraising goal this month and after raising over £26,000 at the Mells 10k run, their total stands at more than £215,000.
The run, which took place on Saturday 11th October, was the family’s most recent addition to their £1million fundraising effort for CLIC Sargent in memory of their 11-year- old son Ben. Ben’s parents Nigel and Su Crutchley, from Newbury, organised the event and were very pleased with its success.
Nigel said, “Su and I were delighted with how the event went and were really touched by how much support we were given in organising it.
“From the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Lions marshalling the roads, the local Scouts marshalling in the estate, running clubs lending us signs; everyone was so generous. This was only matched by the generosity of everyone who made a donation. We are so pleased that this event raised over £26k for CLIC Sargent in memory of Benny.
“We know that his story has touched the hearts of everyone who reads it and that’s why we have managed to raise over £215,000 for CLIC Sargent. We are now nearly at £250,000 which will take us a quarter of the way to our ambitious target of £1,000,000. Thanks to everyone who’s made a contribution.”
113 people ran, cycled, or walked the Mells 10k, which, at the latest count has raised £26,716.13 but Nigel expects more to come in and bring the total closer to £30,000.
The fundraising effort began after Ben’s death of cancer in 2012, which left the family devastated but determined to give something back to the CLIC Sargent nurses who helped the family. They helped Ben during his illness, as well as supporting – and continuing to support – Nigel and Su, and Ben’s elder brother Luke.
Nigel said, “Sally and Ally are CLIC Sargent nurses, and they provided so much more than just medical advice. They helped Ben remain at home until he passed away, and visited 3-4 times each day towards the end.
“They cared deeply about Su, Luke and I, they were always quietly there for each of us when we needed them the most.
“Ten families each day in the UK are told that their child has cancer – that’s ten more families like mine who will desperately need the help of CLIC Sargent.”
The family is dedicated to raising £1million for the charity by June 2017.
To find out more about Ben’s story and the family’s fundraising, go to www.justgiving.com/teams/bennyboycrutchleyfund.