CHEERS FOR CHRIS

Determined uncle, Chris Fidler, pulled on a Spiderman costume, hopped on his bike and cycled a gruelling 160 mile journey in memory of his dear eight year old nephew, Charlie, who tragically died last year at a bar-b-q.

The two-day saddle ride from Somerset to Kings Langley, not only prompted tears and cheers at the finishing post on today but also raised more than £5,000 for KitAid, the charity that had been dear to the eight year old Arsenal supporter Charlie Fidler who lost his life last June.

“I cycled for Charlie to show how much we all love him,” said Chris as he embraced Charlie’s parents, Jason and Nicole and other family members and friends. It was a hard journey but I kept thinking of Charlie along the way and that kept me going. Raising money for KitAid was what Charlie would have wanted and I wore Spiderman and Batman costumes as Charlie loved dressing up when he was little.”

Little Charlie, from Hemel Hempstead was a keen and talented young player who was part of the Hemel Hempstead Town Youth team. He had been awarded ‘the most improved player of the year’ trophy on the day he died in his father’s arms, following a severe allergic reaction. But just one week before his death Charlie had spotted a story about KitAid in the local paper that proved to be a catalyst to turning tragedy into a positive act of kindness.

“Charlie had been looking at the front-page story about KitAid’s work in Africa and said ‘mummy isn’t that great?” explained Charlie’s mum, Nicole. “He thought it was a lovely idea that unwanted football kit would be sent to children in need around the world. “

Following his death, his parents remembered Charlie’s charity comments and decided they would help support KitAid in memory of their son.

Our most sincere thanks and gratitude go to Chris, Jason, Nicole and all those who supported Chris's fund raising efforts.

LIVERPOOL & BBC RADIO MERSEYSIDE KICK OFF APPEAL

Our Regional Coordinators, Janet Neville and Vin O'Brien have worked wonders getting Liverpool FC, the Liverpool Echo, BBC Radio Merseyside and Supersub, David Fairclough involved in a kit appeal.

We are waiting to hear exactly when it will be aired but we know it will be used on both their drivetime and breakfast shows and in a sports programme in very early May, to coincide with the article which will appear in the Liverpool v Newcastle programme.

It is with huge sadness that we heard that David Fairclough's wife had passed away suddenly last week.

KitAid sends our condolences to David, his family and friends at this terrible time.

Read the Liverpool Echo

MINI BOXING UP WITH MAXI BOXES FOR DESPATCH

On behalf of the KitAid Trustees a big thank you for all those volunteers who helped at tonight’s boxing up session. This is the first time we’ve tried an after-work boxing-up and it’s certainly been a success. Twenty boxes are now ready for dispatch. That’s a massive achievement especially with so many new faces learning the ropes. It’ll really take the pressure of the next Saturday session.

We hope you all found it rewarding and do remember that your efforts today will result in some very big smiles when those boxes are opened in far flung and less affluent parts of the world.

Thanks once again and hope to see you in the future – maybe at another evening session or possibly on a Saturday!