Crouch End boy raises £18,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust
A 12-year-old Crouch End boy has raised more than £18,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in an impressive fundraising effort, which started when he was undergoing treatment himself.
Ruben Qassim, who turns 13 this week, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September last year.
He set about raising £400 but with the help and support of family and friends, including schoolmates at Archer Academy in East Finchley, he has managed to raise a staggering £18,000.
After doing so well with his fundraising, he decided to set himself an ambitious target of £20,000.
“I wanted to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust because I had my appointments there,” said Ruben. “They saved my life and I want other children to get better as well.
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“Being ill was pretty horrible, but they helped me, everyone was really supportive there. It was a happy place, even though bad things were happening.”
Ruben, who lives in Danvers Road, received treatment from the beginning of September until the end of March and, having undergone intensive chemotherapy, he is now in recovery and concentrating on reaching his fundraising goal.
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“I’m very proud of myself, I orginally put my target as £400,” he said. “I first started off in October with a sponsored head shave with my dad, when my hair started to fall out, then lots of people kept on donating, and someone did a concert for me.
“When I’m fully fit I might do a sponsored cycle or run. My school has been really supportive. I’m having a birthday and recovery party with my friends soon.”
Hailey Acton DeBoick, regional fundraiser at the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are absolutely blown away by the fundraising effort and achievements by Ruben and his family.
“Having had the pleasure of meeting Ruben, it still amazes me that being only 12 years old, he has been able to have such an impact on others. We are extremely grateful to be part of his journey.”
To sponsor Ruben, visit his page.
