Dad's gruelling cancer treatment inspires boy, 12, to help others

Twelve-year-old Christopher Gilling-Ulph, from Ditchling, decided to raise money for CLIC Sargent - a leading cancer charity for children and young people.

He said: “When I was seven my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had to have a lot of treatment.

“It started with surgery, then he had radiotherapy and when I was nine he had to have chemotherapy.

“That was the hardest part as he got very tired and lost his hair and many people didn’t understand. If you are only a child and you have been diagnosed with cancer, that must be so tough.”

Christopher, a pupil at Great Walstead School is also a talented performing arts student from The Theatre Workshop Stage School in Brighton.

He added: “I found out about the work that CLIC Sargent does because they are helping two children at my school who are having treatment for cancer.”

Christopher loves singing and decided to use his talent to help raise cash for the charity. “I love performing so I would like to use my singing to let people know about what CLIC Sargent does for children with cancer and help raise money for them.”

He set himself a target of raising £500 for the charity CLIC Sargent - but well and truly smashed it when he performed at a Jazz and Pimms on the Green event in Ditchling. So far he has raised more than £670.

CLIC Sargent Community fundraising manager Helen Farquharson said: “We were extremely touched to receive a letter from Christopher explaining why he wanted to help, and delighted that he has used his talent to raise such a significant sum.

“Christopher has made a huge contribution to help us provide vital support for children and young people with cancer across Sussex and we hope that he will inspire others to get involved.”

Anyone wishing to support CLIC Sargent through Christopher’s page can visit http://www.justgiving.com/ChristopherGU