SUPPORTERS of Bude-based charity Talan’s Trust have had a busy couple of weeks raising money.

Talan Penny died back in 2017 after living with a rare form of child cancer; but since then his family and friends have raised many thousands of pounds.

Talan’s mother Sarah Penny explains what’s been going on recently.

She said: “This month (September) is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Our emblem is a yellow ribbon. 

“Statistically 12 children a day are diagnosed with a form of cancer in the UK. It is the biggest killer of children of all illnesses. There are 200+ types of childhood cancers and varying subtypes. 

We are still using chemotherapy that Is 40-years-old due to lack of funding and research. 

Cancer charities despite using children in 40% of their advertising, actually give less than 2% of all monies raised to childhood cancer research.

“Mike Tunney a staunch supporter of Talan’s Trust and a member of Bude RATS, despite never meeting Talan organised a gold lace run on Sunday, September 15.

The laces were from an American children’s cancer charity ‘Solving Kids Cancer’, who provide them free of charge with an ask to share photos wearing them with the hashtag on social media #laceupforkids and #wearsharecare

“Things escalated rapidly and a large proportion of runners wore gold. Mike himself in a very revealing pair of hot pants! As did Paul Corinthe and Jez Brown.

“Sean Courtenay, Talan’s godfather wore a lion suit on what was a very hot day, while all the runners had gold laces.

“Rollo McGrath and Penny Lown won the fancy dress which Margaret Frost kindly judged. She also provided drinks for the runners. Both winners received a trophy kindly donated by Kevin Hogarth.

“A total of £600 was raised, which is incredible for an unadvertised run.     

“Emma Bartrop said a few words about childhood cancer and reminded everyone what the run was for. This wasn’t about the money it was all about raising awareness.”

Last Tuesday night saw a paddle out in Talan’s memory.

Sarah said: “This special evening was just about Talan it’s not to fundraise but to remember a Bude boy where he loved to be most, in the sea.

“Over 50 people came to paddle out, throw a pebble with a personal message and leave a flower in the sea. And many watched on what was the most perfect evening.”

Talan was a member of the cycle club Dept26. And when he was diagnosed the club did two challenging coast to coast rides across country. Raising a huge amount for The Chris Lucas Trust who Talan’s Trust support. We help pay for a full time researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research based at The Royal Marsden hospital.

On Saturday, September 21, eight members of Dept 26 Bude Mountain Bike Riders set out to ride off road from Bude to The Bush Inn, Morwenstow. The ride was a challenging 24 mile around trip via cycle routes and bridleways over a wide mix of terrain.

The members of the group collected and donated to Talans Trust by purchasing the Golden Laces themselves and collecting as they went along.

On the day they collected more than £100 with more expected to follow. The ride is now already in its planning stages for next year!

Sarah said: “We cannot thank everyone enough from all the club’s and the local community who have done so much to help us. We look forward to seeing everyone at the #tal19 the annual 19km run this year on November 17. Entries open on eventbrite. A 10km run this year too.”