Fund-raising in memory of RAF hero from Grimsby reaches £20,000

The mother of an RAF serviceman who died after a brave fight against brain tumour has vowed to keep up his campaign by lobbying Parliament.

The Brain Tumour Charity is calling for more central funding for research in to brain cancer. Diane Campling of Healing said she will visit Parliament in the New Year to lobby MPs in support of the Trust and research group.

James Clifford Campling Trust has raised an amazing £20,000 in the past six years since James' tragic death, aged just 29 years. James served with the RAF as a nurse and toured the world helping others. After his diagnosis he travelled to all seven continents of the world as part of his "bucket list." He also raised £30,000 for research into brain cancer.

Diane said all the local groups and schools in North East Lincolnshire who have helped raise money deserved huge praise for their fund-raising efforts. It has helped families with people suffering from glioblastoma to make memories while their loved ones are alive.

They have paid for trips to Disneyland, Legoland and other holidays.

Diane said: "It is quite humbling to have all these people do this. It is James' legacy and it is going on. I am really proud of that. It makes you realise how good people are."

She added: "James was very passionate about charities which is why we set up a charity in his name. Our charity raises money which supports research into brain tumours. We also help families build memories when a family member has got a life limiting illness. Over the last six years we have donated £20,000 to research into brain tumours.

"This is in association with brain tumour research, brain tumour charity and the national brain appeal. Ways that we have helped families include giving one family a chance to go to Legoland and build some memories. We’ve sent another family to Blackpool on holiday. We’ve had another family go to Center Parcs and most recently had two families go to Disneyland Paris.

"These trips have enabled families to build lifelong memories with their loved ones. We have also provided food parcels to support families at the most difficult times when preparing meals just seems like the hardest things to do. We have helped one girl who had permanent brain damage from the radio and chemotherapy by supporting her to buy specialist equipment to help with her education."

Since September this year, the Saltings allotment group have raised £1,000 for the charity with a coffee morning, including lots of raffles and a stall. Liam Quickfall, who was a school friend to James, completed a skydive recently which raised £1,000.

Diane said: "We have had lots of support from schools locally and they have joined in the our Crazy Hair Day which has raised £650."

Schools included Wybers Wood Academy, Healing Academy, St Joseph’s Academy and Holton le Clay juniors. This is an event the group hope to repeat annually. The new headteacher of Healing Academy has made the James Campling Trust the school's charity of the year. Diane wiLl be visiting the school to encourage more people to find out more about brain tumours and raise awareness across our local area and campaign nationally.

A Charity Ball will be held at Healing Manor next Saturday, November 16 to help raise funds through many raffle prizes. To support Diane and the Trust there is a Facebook page and Instagram page you can also find details on website www.JamesCliffordCamplingtrust.co.uk,