A YOUNGSTER who had childhood leukaemia has led charity fundraising efforts to new heights.
Eduard Cristea, 17, a Barnsley College student from Goldthorpe, has been on a fundraising mission for Blood Cancer UK.
As the activities and welfare officer for the college, Eduard recruited its Students’ Union to partake in their most ambitious fundraiser yet.
The group spun a creative a twist on Bright Nights, making 150 ‘bright packs’ filled with sweet treats and glow-in-the-dark goodies.
These bags were sold for a minimum £1 donation to Blood Cancer UK.
Liaising with Blood Cancer UK, the kind-hearted youngsters created an information stall about the realities of blood cancer - alongside a heartwarming message wall, which ran for two nights.
Amazingly, the group managed to completely sell out their bright packs, alongside four trays of cupcakes.
Overall, £300 was raised over both nights.
For Eduard, helping others is a calling, especially with his deeply personal connection to cancer.
Eduard was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukaemia aged three and was provided with critical end-of-life care in Romania - his home country.
He was transferred to the children’s oncology unit of the San Matteo Hospital in Italy, receiving a bone marrow transplant.
This transplant resulted in Eduard’s remission, for which he has recently celebrated his 12 year anniversary.
His previous heroic fundraising efforts include an eight-mile sponsored walk from Goldthorpe to Barnsley in September - which raised £200 for Blood Cancer UK.
Earlier this year, Eduard completed a 17-mile sponsored walk for Gli Amici del Sorriso, an organisation within the San Matteo Hospital.
Pupils from the Students’ Union have supported Eduard’s mission - with a walk to Cannon Hall and a ‘hook-a-duck’ stall - collectively raising £260.
He won the Student of the Year at the Barnsley Chronicle’s Young Champions awards earlier this year, highlighting his unique kindness and resilience.
Eduard admitted that the recent death of Rotherham teenager Owen Jenkinson, who died aged 17 - has motivated him to push his fundraising journey even further.
He said: “The fundraising has been an amazing event.
“The students are a true credit to the college and the difference we have made has been substantial.
“Cancer no matter what type it may be is a horrible thing and nobody should ever experience it.
“It’s touched me seeing someone dying at my age, it’s motivated me to keep going even more.
“However, it is inevitable, so the only thing we can do is raise awareness.
“Hearing about the death of Owen can only drive me to raise more and more awareness - for everyone suffering with cancer and helping more people.
“Owen was a fighter and died a fighter - a true warrior at heart - and me and the Students’ Union offer his family our deepest condolences.”
