In May, 10-year-old Sam and 11-year-old Thomas challenged themselves to cycle 100 miles during the month to raise money for Winston’s Wish in memory of Sam’s cousin Jake. 16-year-old Jake died in 2014 and Sam’s mum Sarah set up Jake’s Wish to raise money for Winston’s Wish in her nephew’s memory.
Over the past seven years, they have raised more than £15,000 for Winston’s Wish and Sam and Thomas raised an amazing £3,138.25 with their 100-mile cycle ride. Thanks to match funding from Boeing, where Thomas’s mum works, the total raised is £6,276.50!
We spoke to Sarah, Sam and Thomas to find out more about Jake’s Wish and the boys’ fundraising challenge.
Tell us about Jake’s Wish and why you chose to support Winston’s Wish
Sarah: “In May 2014, our family life changed forever when my 16-year-old nephew, Jake, died. He was my only nephew and my son Sam’s older cousin. As you can imagine, this devastated our family. However, we all decided to raise money for Winston’s Wish in Jake’s honour. Therefore, we launched Jake’s Wish (Sam chose the name).
“We have held a yearly event since Jake left us and so far we have raised over £15,000 for Winston’s Wish. Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic prevented us from doing our big event last year and this year. So, we decided this year that Jake’s Wish will hold a different fundraiser each month and Sam (aged 10) and his friend Thomas (aged 11) decided to be in charge of Magnificent May!
“The boys decided they would cycle 100 miles during May in memory of Jake. Thomas and his mum, Sarah, have been huge supporters of Jake’s Wish and wanted to help raise as much money as we possibly could in Jake’s name. Sarah and I couldn’t be more proud of our boys! As well as asking for sponsorship for their cycle ride the boys’ schools, Milton Park Primary School and St Mark’s School, organised dress-down days to raise money. My family and I are eternally grateful to all the people who support us every year.”
Sam and Thomas’s 100-mile cycle challenge
Before they started their 100-mile cycle challenge in May, 10-year-old Sam and 11-year-old Thomas told us why they decided to take on the challenge.
What are you planning to do to raise money for Winston’s Wish?
Thomas: “Complete 100 miles on my bike through May with my friend Sam to support Winston’s Wish in Jake’s memory.”
Sam: “Cycling 100 miles in May with my friend Thomas and hopefully lots of people will sponsor us.”
Why did you decide to cycle 100 miles to raise money?
Thomas: “To do the best I can for the people around me.”
Sam: “I enjoy riding my bike and I wanted to make it a big challenge.”
Why did you choose Winston’s Wish as your charity?
Sam: “We raise money every year in memory of my cousin Jake, who died when he was 16. Every year we have a big event called Jake’s Wish but this year has been challenging because of Covid. So I am helping raising money in other ways.”
Thomas: “I wanted to support the charity in Jake’s memory, as people I know have and will be supported by Winston’s Wish.”
How much money do you want to raise?
Thomas: “As much as we can!”
Sam: “I would like to raise £1,000!”
What do your friends and family think about you cycling 100 miles?
Thomas: “They all think it’s fantastic and such a brilliant challenge and cause.”
Sam: “My family are super proud but I haven’t told many of my friends yet.”
What are you looking forward to about the cycling challenge?
Thomas: “Being with my friends.”
Sam: “Having fun with Thomas and helping people.”
Are you going to do any training or practice to get ready for the challenge?
Thomas: “I will try and build up my stamina over the next few weeks.”
Sam: “Not really, I cycle quite a bit so am hoping I’ll be ok.”
Is there anything you’re not looking forward to or are worried about the challenge?
Thomas: “Not really… I’m just looking forward to doing a good thing and raising lots of money.”
Sam: “Not really. I just like cycling so I think it will be fun and even more so doing it with my friend.”
Fancy taking on your own fundraising challenge? Find out more here.