Schoolboy launches Stand Up To Cancer Walkies Challenge in memory of Ben

A young boy from Crowthorne is helping to head up a national Stand Up To Cancer campaignafter being a top fundraiser last year.

Last year, Walkies, the dog–walking challenge was taken on by one of the campaign’ssmallest supporters but biggest fundraisers. Charlie Woodhouse, who is nine years old,started the challenge because his dad’s best friend, Uncle Ben was diagnosed with a braintumour, and he wanted to do something to help. Without a dog of his own, Charlieborrowed other people’s dogs to take on the challenge with Uncle Ben’s Labradors, Digby

and Bertie, being his favourites.

Sadly, two weeks into the challenge his Uncle Ben passed away. Suddenly the challenge tookon a different focus and they admitted ‘it felt like we were doing it for Ben’. Charlie ended upraising an incredible £11,500 and topping the fundraisers leaderboard.

A spokesman for Stand Up To Cancer said: “We are forever inspired by people like Charlieand his family who Stand Up To Cancer. Because Charlie raised the most money of everyonewho took on the challenge last year, Channel 4 and the Stand Up To Cancer team fromCancer Research UK asked if he would help promote this year’s Walkies Challenge.”

The aim was to get more people to sign up and they particularly liked the fact that Charlie,who goes to Wildmoor Heath, Crowthorne, does not own a dog, showing you can still takepart and borrow friends and family’s dogs.

This year Charlie launched his own fundraising challenge over the Easter weekend, with himaiming to walk 60 miles in a month – and for his first walk, he was joined at Bucklers Forestin Crowthorne by television presenter Clare Balding.

He visited Crufts this year for the launch with Clare Balding who described his total last year as ‘incredible’.

His dad Daniel said: “I have been working with Clare for 13 years as her floor manager forthe sports broadcasts she presents. As the challenge is launched at Crufts, Clare, who is themain presenter introduces the challenge each year. I asked if she would join us this year forCharlie’s first walk on Monday, she was available and more than happy to lend her support.”

Ben’s favourite route was going up lots of hills, and through a lot of mud and water – andCharlie enjoys the same, taking inspiration from his old friend.

Daniel said: “Charlie loves dogs, but I won’t let him have one, our house is busy enough withtwo young boys let alone add a dog to the mix. But to see your child so enthusiastic about something it certainly drives you on. And it is a massive inspiration because his focus and dedication for a nine-year-old was just awe-inspiring.”

And he added: “As a parent it’s important to teach your children about giving back andhelping other so this was a good opportunity to teach Charlie and his younger brother aboutdoing something for others with no expectations for a personal gain. One of Charlie’s schoolvalues is empathy, so this is reinforced at school too.”

Last year he raised £11,500 and now he would love to get this total to £20,000 so this yearhe is looking to raise £8,500, an ambitious target.

Charlie added: “I am determined to continue to raise money and keep Ben’s legacy alive. Mydad still won’t let me have a dog so I’m going to be borrowing friends and families’ dogs again!”