Eddie has tough task in memory of grandad
ASEVEN-YEAROLD boy will complete a Tough Mudder challenge in memory of his grandad, who died from cancer.
Eddie Thompson will complete the Race for Life Pretty Mudder this weekend in an attempt to raise hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research.
The event takes place in Blackpool on Saturday and features a 5km obstacle course, packed with climbing challenges and mud pits.
Eddie, who attends Kew Woods Primary School, hopes to raise money for charity through his effort as well as pay tribute to beloved grandad, Colin.
Everton FC fan Colin died in June this year, having bravely battled the disease.
Described by his family as a “real community man”, Colin loved to join
in events to help those less fortunate than him, a quality that has been passed down the generations.
An active sportsman, Colin was a member of Formby Hall Golf Club and of Sandbrook Bowls Club and enjoyed playing cricket and rugby in his younger years. Most recently, he was elected as Captain of Bar Mio’s Golf Society – where he was honoured on the day of his funeral with a notice board outside the bar.
His popularity was such that huge numbers of people turned out to pay their tributes, filling the crematorium beyond capacity.
Now grandson Eddie, also a keen athlete, hopes to help others suffering from cancer. His dad, John, Colin’s son, will run alongside him and complete the course.
John said: “Eddie wanted to do something to make his grandad proud and raise money to help other people get better.
“Dad was Eddie’s hero and always rang Eddie to see how he had got on at football or whatever sport he was doing, always encouraging Eddie to enjoy his sports and keep trying to get better.
“He really loves doing park runs and anything physical so when a friend told me about the kids Tough Mudder I told him and he was right into the idea.
“The idea of raising money to help others was an added bonus for Eddie and he has been really excited to see his fund raising efforts grow and is really grateful to everyone who has sponsored him.”
Eddie said: “My grandad was great and I loved him so much. He died of cancer so I want to help raise money so other people might get better.”
To donate, visit: fundraise.cancerresearchuk. org/page/eddies-racefor-life-140730428