A KIND-HEARTED Barnsley College student has thrown himself into fundraising for a charity that helped save his life as a youngster - and it’s culminated in him being nominated for a Young Champions award.
Eduard Cristea, 16, was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukaemia aged three and was given critical end-of-life care in his home country of Romania.
He was transferred to the children’s oncology unit of the San Matteo Hospital in Italy, where he received a bone marrow transplant which resulted in being in remission for 11 years.
Last year, he completed an eight-mile sponsored walk from Goldthorpe to Barnsley to raise funds for Blood Cancer UK.
The teenager managed to raise £200 for the charity but he’s hoping to go one step further in April when he walks from his home in Goldthorpe to Wakefield to raise even more funds for charity Gli Amici del Sorriso - an organisation within the San Matteo Hospital.
He hopes to raise £500 and the money raised will help children in need, by paying towards hospital equipment, toys, activities, trips, food, and more.
He said: “San Matteo Hospital supported me greatly during my battle with Leukaemia.
“I wouldn’t have survived without them.
“This is the main reason why I want to help them and other children in their care.
“I have set the challenge of walking 17 miles because it is not only double the distance of my previous fundraiser, but it also requires me to push myself significantly.
“Undertaking such a lengthy and demanding walk is worthwhile, as my primary goal is to offer assistance to those in need, even if it is just a small amount.
“This is a larger walk than the previous fundraiser, meaning I will have to prepare myself quite a bit before I am ready to do it, but it all be worth it in the end.”
Eduard has been nominated in the Young Fundraiser category of this year’s Young Champions Award show.
Upon hearing about his nomination he said: “I’m very happy about it.
“It’s nice to be recognised.
“My main aim is to help people.”
Laura Wood, public services course leader, added: “Eduard is an outstanding student whose selfless efforts to raise money for charities reflect his deep compassion and commitment to making a difference.
“His personal journey inspires all who have battled serious illnesses, showing them the power of resilience, gratitude, and the ability to find happiness even in the face of adversity.
“Eduard’s kindness and strength are an inspiration, reminding us all to appreciate the smaller things in life.”
