Pride of Birmingham Awards
Young cancer survivor Carter, his parents and sister have raised more than £330,000 to thank the medics who gave him lifesaving care.
Chatting was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia six years ago, when he was four. He underwent three and a half years of treatment before being declared cancer-free.
Inspired by the doctors, nurses and volunteers at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, his family – mum Lucy, dad Matthew, and sister Monica, 12 – established a charity called Carter The Brave. The charity, and its supporters known as Team Carter, have so far raised £334,000 for the hospital’s oncology ward and research into childhood leukaemia.
They have funded equipment including mobile entertainment units for children in isolation, a hands free communications system, IV vein finders, mobile ear and throat devices, DVD players and DVDs and Amazon vouchers. They have also donated £8,000 to Round Table Children’s Wish which helps fulfil the dreams of children with cancer who are either critically or terminally ill.
Initially the inspiration behind the fundraising, Carter is now an active participant, taking on a 10k run to raise £6,000 last year when he was nine. He also encouraged his friends and family to get involved with a sponsored headshave, raising a further £8,000.
A hospital spokesperson said: “Carter, you’re such an inspiring young man and we’re beyond grateful for your continued support. From cricket matches to climbing mountains and sponsored walks, Carter and his amazing family have thrown everything they’ve got into supporting us, to help make our hospital a better place.”