Spirits not dampened at Cameron's big day

Giant snakes and ladders at the St Cuthberts Rugby Club Fun Day, raising money for Camerons Legacy

Friends and relatives of 15-year-old Cameron Chadwick braved the elements on Saturday to ensure the event could go ahead as planned at St Cuthbert’s Rugby Club in Norley.

Wind blew over gazebos and bouncy castles and clothes got wet, but the team was determined to keep going.

And after a few hours, the rain dried up and the sunshine finally arrived.

Cameron’s mum Stacey, from Norley, said: "It was a washout for the first couple of hours. I couldn’t have picked a worse day.

"We had to put things on hold for a couple of hours but we didn’t give up.

"I was quite worried at the beginning that we would come out at a loss, because we had funded it ourselves, but we have got our money back and made some profit."

Everyone waited for the rain to clear and more people arrived later to enjoy the activities.

The fun day involved a host of attractions, including inflatables, a DJ, stalls, face painting, raffle, soft play area and food.

There was live music by The Voice Kids UK singer Jake McKechnie, who comes from Orrell, and other performers.

Stacey praised the efforts of the teenagers who volunteered to help run the event.

She said: "They worked really hard and I couldn’t be more proud of them, especially in the rain.

"They stayed right through to the end. They worked all day."

Money raised at the event is still being counted and the proceeds will go to Cameron’s Legacy, which Stacey set up in honour of her son.

Abraham Guest Academy pupil Cameron died after falling from a motorbike on Helvellyn Road in Norley on February 7.

The appeal is raising money for activities and facilities for people aged 11 to 17, so they have something safe to do.

Stacey wants to provide somewhere for them to go and a multi-use games area, as well as organised days out.

Money was raised at an earlier fun day, as well as by selling T-shirts and key rings featuring the Cameron’s Legacy logo.

The next fund-raiser will be held this Saturday, when Stacey and around 14 other people take part in a skydive.

The daredevils have already raised hundreds of pounds in sponsorship for the appeal and a bus will take supporters to Cockerham to cheer them on as they take to the skies.

More events are already being considered for the autumn to further boost funds.

It is hoped the young people will manage Cameron’s Legacy in future, lead fund-raising and choose how the money is spent.