A BIG Thank You!! 

At the end of March 2010,  Callum's newly built bedroom and bathroom was finally completed and ready for decoration.
 
The specialist bathroom flooring was fitted ready for the installation of the easibath, a height adjustable hydraulic bath that is also used as a changing bench. 

This has proved a great sucess already not only with Callum, who at the age of 2 1/2 has his very own en-suite, but for mum and dad who no longer have the back breaking task of lifting Callum in and out of a conventional bath, and it has of course also been tested and approved by big sister, Bethany!!

The ceiling hoist was then installed which extends from Callum's specialist profiling, height adjustable bed right the way through to his bathroom and has a weight limit of 30 stone which should hopefully last him a little while!!

Callum and his family would like to extend their greatest thanks to each and everyone who has helped them to achieve the dream of a better quality of life for Callum and for making life much easier for mum and dad.
 
With the initial fundraising target now reached and the extension and adaptations finished, it is hoped Callum will continue to enjoy good health and he, his mum, dad, and big sister can once again enjoy being a family.

We've Got Soul is a Smash Hit!!

The Soul and Motown night organised by Danny Carroll was a roaring success.  Over 100 party people turned out to support Callum and had a great night into the bargain!

With great food and some classic tunes, everyone enjoyed dancing the night away.

Following the donation of some fabulous items, an auction, raffle and ticket sales helped to raise more than £1000 on the night for Callum's fund. 

Callum would like to thank everyone who donated prizes, those who bought tickets and especially Danny for organising such a great event.

Update - Bungee Girls Take the Leap for Callum

Action girls Erin Musgrove, Natalie Goddard, Kerry Lally, Becky Taylor and family member Danielle Roper jumped from a height of 150 feet with a large elastic band attached to their feet!!

By doing this, they raised a staggering £1388 for Callum.

Special mention goes to Danielle for organising this event for Callum, and also to the other grils, particularly Natalie who really did face her worst fears.

A big thank you also to everyone who sponsored the girls, including a very generous £100 donation from the Royal Oak, Ulley where the girls went to celebrate their achievements afterwards.

Well done girls!!

September 12th 2009 - Marathon Man Breaks PB

Serial half marathon runner Adrian Hiley ran the Robin Hood Half Marathon in Nottingham on Sunday 12th September to raise money for Callum.

Adrian completed the 13 mile course in a personal best time of 1hr and 52 minutes, and raised a staggering £517 for Callum's fund. 

Adrian is becoming quite the fundraiser for local children after also completing an event with the Didcot Thong Rangers for Rotherham baby Oscar Calvert just a week later;

Callum would like to thank Adrian for all the hard work and effort that he has put in to achieve not only a fabulous amount for the fund, but also an excellent course time too!!

September 6th 2009 - All Stars Football a Great Success

Despite a few injuries to some of the All Stars, Mel Sterland still fielded a strong team of former professionals.  In a close game, Callum's XI came back from 3 -1 down to draw the game 3 -3.

The goals came from Callum's Uncle Richie Barker (2) and Godfather Steve Hogg.  The team were also kept in the game with a fine penalty save from 2nd half Keeper Ben Marsh.

A good day was had by all, and an estimated attendance of 400 turned out to cheer the boys on and to support Callum. 

The Miners Welfare bar was packed after the game, to see the presentation of the raffle prizes, and the auction of signed Owls, Blades and Millers shirts.  Added to the programme sales, a total of £2050 was raised towards Callum's fund.

Callum would like to thank the following people for their time and effort;

Mel Sterland and the All Star Team;  The Class of 91 (including the girls) plus special guests; Match Referee Dennis Hogg;  Drapers Dance Centre, Big Al's Funhouse, Joe's Ices and the Swallownest Miners Welfare. 

Special mention also goes to Gordon Simmonite, Richard Bateman, Richie and Chris Barker for their help in making the day a great success. 

September 2009 - All Stars Football Match

More news of the All Stars football match has now been announced.  The teams will include;

Sheffield Wednesday: John Pearson, Kevin Pressman, Lawrie Madden, Wayne Jacobs, Gregg Fee & Tony Cunningham  Sheffield United: Andy Barnsley, Steve Charles. Rotherham United: Richie Barker & John Dungworth.  Barnsley: Scott Jones & Chris Barker.  Grimsby Town: Ian Straw.  Lincoln City: Phil Brown.   Chesterfield Town: Ernie Moss, David Pugh, Andy Kowaski, Bob Newton, Sean O'Neil.  Newcastle United: Scott Sellars

Also Featuring: Herol "Bomber" Graham

Callum's team will be made up of the Aston Comprehensive class of '91' (Callum's Daddy's school) plus invited guests.

A programme will be available to buy on the day, and will include entry to a lucky draw for a Digital Camera.  Other raffle prizes will include: Signed football shirts, Match Tickets and a Dinner and Stay for 2 at the Sheffield Hilton (plus many more).

Half Time Entertainment will be provided by Drapers Dance Centre, in association with Big Al's Funhouse. 

Refreshments will be available throughout the game, along with face painting and bouncy castle.  The bar will be open, with a special auction of signed football shirts and a chance to meet some of the players after the game.

We hope to see you all their to cheer on the teams, have a fun day and help to support Callum!!

August 2009 - Wakefield College Walk....

Led by Amy Smith, Wakefield College students Kathy, Rachel, Sam and Leanne completed their 10 mile sponsored walk.  The girls, dressed in flouresent tutu's and leg warmers raised an amazing £260 for Callum's fund.

Thanks to all of the girls for their efforts, and a big THANK-YOU to Amy for organising the event!! 

August 15th 2009 - Thank-you Party. 

At a party held in Callum's honour, those who had organised and held events to support Callum made the presentation of their fundraising total to the family.

The Thong Rangers came all the way up from Didcot, along with half of team Scunthorpe also making the trip.  Members of the 3 Peaks Challenge team were also there, with the party completed by some of Callum's closest family and friends.

The Great Sheffield 4 Mile Shovel Walk - Thong Rangers

Thanks to the people of Sheffield and the unusual but heroic efforts of the Thong Rangers, the Shovel walk raised an amazing £1650 for Callum.

Look out for the Thong Rangers in Rotherham on September 19th, supporting another great local cause http://www.help4oscar.com/.  Who knows, this time there may be one or two additions to the team!!

The 8 Hour Tag Team Walk - Team Scunthorpe

Through the great efforts of Karen and the rest of team Scunthorpe, plus the sheer generosity of the North Lincolnshire/Humberside public (or wherever Scunthorpe is these days!) the 8 hours treadmill walk raised a staggering £2000 for Callum.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge - Family and Friends

Inspired to push themselves through the pain barrier and meet the tough challenge, the family and friends who took part in the 3 Peaks challenge raised a phenomenal £3500 for Callum's benefit.

For those that were able to make it on the day, Callum's Mummy and Daddy were able to pass on their thanks to everyone for their overwhelming kindness and commitment to supporting Callum.

For those who were not there in person, but have helped in anyway by participating, organising or sponsoring any of these events, Callum, Bethany, Carl, Leanna and their entire (and rapidly expanding) extended family would like to thank you all!!

Summer 2009 - Oh I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside... 

After a good few months healthwise, Callum went to the beautiful Yorkshire coast to spend a week with the whole family. 

Callum had a great time watching his big sister Bethany ride the donkeys and eat lots of ice cream and candyfloss!

Callum acted as official umpire during a game of beach Cricket, watching all of the action from his sun tent as the Blakemore team collapsed down the order with Grandad, Grandma, Daddy and finally Mummy bowled and caught by Godmother Karen.

The weather was great, and Cal enjoyed a paddle in the sea with Dad Carl and big sis Bethany. 

He did however decide to give the bike riding a miss when he found out that Dad would be driving instead of Mum!!  Obviously Mum and Bethany did all of the pedalling!!

As Callum gets bigger and stronger, he will hopefully enjoy another great week next year, although he will seriously consider taking his ear plugs next time to drown out Grandad's snoring in the boys room!!

August 2009 - First All-star Names Confirmed 

The first three Sheffield Wednesday All-stars have now been announced! 

Callum's team will be lining up against former Sheffield Wednesday legends John Pearson, Lawrie Madden and the Owls long serving Goalkeeper, Kevin Pressman.

More All-star names will  be announced soon!!

July 2009 - First Target Reached... 

Thanks to the amazing efforts of some very kind and generous people, Callum has now achieved and actually exceeded his first fundraising target.

The first milestone was to raise the £6000 needed to buy an easybath.  With the great total from Sheffrec CC added to the donations from lots of well wishers, this has been achieved just 4 months after Callum began his fundraising efforts.

The next target is £12,000.  This will help pay for the purchase and installation of both a specially made bed and a tracking system to assist Callum's parents in handling Callum at both bath and bed times.

Callum would like to thank everyone who has helped him raise this fantastic total so far, and hopes that you will continue to support him in reaching his next target.

June 28th 2009 - SheffRec CC Total Announced...

Callum was recently guest of honour at the Sheffrec CC BBQ held at the Princess Royal pub in Sheffield. 

At the function, the members of the Cycle Club presented Callum and his family with a cheque for a staggering £5300.

Callum and the whole family would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every member of the Sheffrec CC for their support and their amazing efforts in raising such a tremendous amount!!

Thank you xx

June 27th 2009 - Yorkshire 3 Peaks... What a Challenge!!

After months of preparation, and a night of being feasted upon by a swarm of midges and sleeping in a tent, the team set out at 07:00am from Horton in Ribblesdale towards the summit of Pen-y-gent.

Reaching the top by just after 08:30, they made their way out of the morning mist, and down along the winding footpaths to the 2nd peak...Whernside.

After a quick stop for refreshment, it was a long 6km slog to the highest point in Yorkshire. 

After a steep climb down and passing the mountain rescue helicopter on the way, it was time for peak 3...

With tired bodies and sore feet, the team battled on and began their ascent to the summit of Ingleborough.  After a steady walk/climb, the team suddenly hit the wall.....no literally... THE WALL...

Pushing through the pain barrier, and with the final peak in site, the team gritted their teeth, and finally, they had conquered the 3 peaks challenge...

But the worst was yet to come.  The long, arduous, agonising, painful, lonely walk back to Horton.  With swollen blistered feet feeling every pebble through their boots, and after several false dawns, long silences and forced conversations...finally Horton came into site.

With the first members of the team coming in at 9hrs and 50 minutes, the team had completed their 3 peaks challenge!

Undoubtedly the most gruelling experience that many of the team had faced it was all worthwhile when we cast our minds back to why we had all come together to take on the challenge in the first place.  Our little man...Callum.

Many thanks to all of the team who took part in the challenge for their tremendous efforts including Karen, Jean, Joy, Michael, John, Ashley, Lee, Shaun, Matt, Dave, Barker, Hawkesy, Carl & Stephen.

Thanks also to those who sponsored the event.  Remember, it is never too late!  Visit the Sponsor/Donate page now to show your appreciation for this amazing group of individuals.

We will announce the total raised as soon as the final figure is in.

Who knows what next years challenge will be.....

June 20th 2009 - 8 Hour Tag Team Walk Update

The Scunthorpe branch of Callum's rapidly expanding fan club completed their 8 hours tag team treadmill walk on Saturday 20th June.

The team covered a massive 55 kilometres, and were gallantly assisted by two strapping young lads, dressed as a Ladybird and a Bumblebee!!

The final total of what they have raised is still to be confirmed, but they hope to present their total to Callum and his family personally during the next few weeks.

We will of course keep you posted of the total amount raised by Team Scunthorpe!!

Once again many thanks to Karen and the rest of the team for their magnificent efforts!!

June 2009 - Fundraiser Football Match Announced

Thanks to the help of recently retired Rotherham Striker and close family friend, Richie Barker, Callum's dad is organising a fundraising football match.

The match will take place on Sunday 6th September, at Swallownest Miners Welfare, kick off 11:00.  All Welcome!!

More details will be announced soon, but the teams will include a Sheffield Wednesday All Star XI put together by former Wednesday and England Defender Mel Sterland and Callum's team which will include a mix of former professionals, family friends and other invited guests.

The full program of events for the day, and how you can get involved will be announced very soon....

Please check back with Callum regularly for updates.

May 2009 - So how is Callum anyway?

Due to the amount of chest infections Callum has suffered over the winter months, Doctors at the Sheffield Children's Hospital decided that he needed a Bronchoscopy. This involved a general anaesthetic whilst doctors inserted a camera into his lungs. 

The procedure lasted approximately 45 minutes, and required an overnight stay in the hospital. Whilst in hospital, doctors also carried out a pH study, lavage and a gastroscopy.

   Callum in his hospital gown ready for the procedure

Callum was understandably a little grumpy after as the anaesthetic began to wear off, but as we have come to expect of him now, he didn't complain at all!!

 Following the procedure either by coincidence or due to the fact he was surrounded by other poorly children in the hospital, Callum has had a difficult time since returning home.

He has struggled to keep his feeds down, vomiting the majority back at his unsuspecting Mummy and Daddy. Callum is now being fed continuously using a pump, which passes the food into him at a controlled rate, so that he can manage to digest it properly. This poses a challenge for the family in the fact that what was a 10 minutes job, has (for the short term at least) become a 24 hour job.

Callum has also suffered from diarrhoea and has picked up a further chest infection in the past few days. The chest infection caused an unplanned visit to Rotherham District General Hospital, where he was prescribed yet another 6 week course of strong antibiotics.

On the positive side Callum has recently been measured up for a standing frame. This piece of equipment will allow him to be supported in a standing position without the aid of his Mummy or Daddy. It is hoped that the frame will help with Callum's posture, and hopefully try to reduce future orthopaedic problems.

Callum managed 5 minutes at the first attempt before becoming a little restless.

It is anticipated that the frame will take 6 to 12 weeks to be specially made before for delivery.

Through out all of the ups and downs, sleepless nights of the past few weeks/months, Callum remains a very happy little boy, who gives so much love and pleasure to his family.

Hopefully, now that summer is almost here, Callum will get the good health and family fun that he deserves!!

May 2009 - Kind Offers of Support

Several kind offers of help and support have been gratefully received by Callum following his appearance on BBC's Look North.

Offers of support include sponsored walks by a group of TDG Colleagues and a group of Wakefield College Students, an entry in the Nottingham Half Marathon and also the offer of a stand at a large regional shopping centre for the day, to use for Callum's benefit.

Plans for a rather unusual event in/around Sheffield City Centre in early August are also in the pipeline.

Some of these events, amongst others are still to be confirmed, so keep checking the News and Events pages regularly.

The response really has been overwhelming, and Callum and his family would like to thank everyone for their generosity and support!! 

May 16th 2009 - Callum's Daddy on Local Radio

Callum's Daddy Carl was invited back to BBC Radio Sheffield for his second interview to talk about Callum's conditions, and this time to publicise the fantastic efforts of the members of the Sheffrec-CC and their epic ride from Sheffield to Scarborough.

Callum's big sister Bethany enjoyed a morning in the studio with her Daddy and we now think that she may be already planning a career in radio!!

Full details of the program, and how you can listen again will hopefully be available soon.

May 16th/17th 2009 - Sheffrec-CC Complete Sheffield to Scarborough Ride 

38 members of Sheffrec Cycle Club set out from the Wicker Arches at 7am on a rather damp and miserable Saturday morning.  Callum was able to be there to personally wave these modern day heroes on their way. 

Only 37 riders were able to make the ride home after one unfortunate member had a slight RTA, breaking his collar bone in the process!!  Callum and the family would like to wish him a very speedy recovery!

More details of timings and the total amount that Sheffrec-CC has raised for Callum will follow soon.

April 09 - Callum's Daddy completes the Half Marathon...

Callum's Dad, Carl took part and completed the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday 26th April.  Running with 3 of his Kier colleagues, he managed to complete the course in a personal best time of 1hr 55 mins & 23 seconds, shaving almost 10 minutes of his previous half marathon time.

For their efforts, they have managed to raise over £4000 for the Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice.  This will benefit both Callum and other children with similar conditions. 

Well done to Carl and all his Kier workmates for putting themselves through it!!  Who knows, maybe London next year??

Apr 27th 09 - Callum makes his TV debut...

BBC's Look North program picked up Callum's story, and visited him at home to see the difficulties that he and his family face as part of their every day lives, including getting upstairs and bath time. 

This was aired on Monday 27th April at 18:30 on BBC1.

Both of Callum's parents were interviewed by Health Correspondent Penny Bustin, but Callum was still the star of the show.  Sleeping in his trailer whilst the extras filmed their scenes, Callum came in right on cue and delivered his lines beautifully.

Callum would like to thank Penny and camera man Ben for their sensitive and caring approach to his story.

If you were unable to see the program or would simply like to watch it again, please visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8021804.stm

Apr 09 - Callum makes his first visit to Blubell Wood...

Callum and his family had there first respite stay at Bluebell Wood on Friday 17th April. 

After doing a quick photo shoot for the Dinnington Guardian (out Friday 24th April), Cal put on his wet suit and visited the Jacuzzi which was fully equipped with a sensory projector and music player.  Callum enjoyed it so much he requested a second session on Saturday morning as well!!

Friday 17th, April was Callum's mum's birthday and the kind staff at the Blubell Wood surprised her by cooking a Birthday cake to mark the occassion.  

Callum's dad also managed to take out one of the new ceiling tiles whilst opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate.  He then had to make use of the washing facilities, as half of the bottle exploded in his lap!

Callum has booked himself back in again next month but he's undecided if he'll take his parents back with him next time!!

Thanks to all the staff at the hospice for their support!

Check back soon for photos of Callum's first Bluebell Wood experience...

Apr 09 - RB Websites donate to Callum's Fund...

Local website design company RBWebsites has very generously offered to donate 10% of sales to Callum's fund.

Please visit www.rbwebsites.co.uk for details. 

Apr 09 - Can you help? 

We are currently searching for generous organisations or individuals that may be able to offer products or services that we can use as raffle and/or competition prizes.

If you, or the company you work for is able to help, please contact Callum

Mar 09 - Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge Announced....

Friends and family of Callum have commited to take the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge to raise much needed funds....

Beginning at Horton in Ribblesdale, the challenge is a gruelling 23.5 miles, taking in the 3 highest peaks in Yorkshire (comprising Pen-y-ghent 694m (2277ft), Whernside 736m (2415ft) and Ingleborough 723m (2372ft) and is one of the oldest established walks in the UK.

For more details, please visit the Events page.

To take part please Contact Callum  or to sponsor the team, please visit the sponsor/donate  page. 

 For more information about the walk itself, please visit www.go4awalk.com/longpaths/yorkshire3peaks.php

Feb 09 - Callum Chosen as Cycling Club's 2009 Beneficiary....

Sheffrec Cycling Club have nominated Callum as their individual beneficiary of their 2009 fundraising effort.

The Cycling Club nominates one charity and one individual each year to be their beneficiaries.

This year, Callum was nominated to the club as a possible candidate for their individual fundraising focus. The club decided that Callum was a worthy cause, and are now planning to cycle 180 mile round trip from Sheffield to Scarborough!!

The club has undertaken such challenges for the past 5 years, and has raised over £20,000 for good causes.

The source of Callum's nomination would prefer to remain anonymous, but we would like to say a BIG THANK YOU.... whoever you are!

Please visit www.sheffrec-cc.org.uk for more details about the Cycling Club.

Jan 09 - Callum's Dad is Marathon Man....

Callum's Dad (Carl) will take part in this years Sheffield Half Marathon on April 26th. Carl will be raising money for the Bluebell Wood Childrens hospice at which Callum has recently been granted a place.

The hospice provides respite care for children with varying conditions, and allows the parent's and family to take a well earned rest to recharge the batteries.

This will be Carl's second half marathon having successfully completed the Great North Run in 2005.

To sponsor Carl visit http://www.justgiving.com/carlblakemore