Most of you will have heard about “Thumbs up for Charlie”, a Charity set up in memory of Charlie Robinson. Charlie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2018 aged just 2 years old. Sadly Charlie lost his battle against this awful disease on the 7th April 2021 aged just 5 years old.

Nici (Charlie’s Mummy) & I have been lifelong friends.  We have spent a lot of time recently with our boots on, stomping through the Ribble Valley.

We’d like to start an annual “Thumbs up for Charlie” event named “Trekking for Charlie”. 

Following Charlie’s second major brain surgery, he was left unable to walk or talk, but in true Charlie style he defied the odds. With his sheer grit & determination; months of intensive physiotherapy & speech therapy Charlie did walk & talk again.

This trek is an acknowledgement to Charlie’s sheer bravery, courage & tenacity. Charlie never gave up & did everything with a smile on his face.

Not wanting to make it easy, we’ve decided that the 2022 “Trekking for Charlie” will be a 50k trek through the Ribble Valley, beginning and ending in Clitheroe. Even more poignantly it will be held on what should have been Charlie’s 7th Birthday, 11th September.

We want as many people as possible to join us, you can do as much or as little as you’d like. 

Craig Jones, a qualified Mountaineer has kindly volunteered to guide the trek (having himself recently completed a 300k ultra marathon!!).

Charlie took on many challenges in his 5 years. If you want to set yourself a challenge, help raise awareness and fundraise to support other families facing the devastating effects of childhood brain tumours, please follow the link below for more information.

www.justgiving.com/thumbsup-forcharlie 

Over the forthcoming weeks there will be more details to follow.

Laura.