Superhero Caden’s epic challenge raises £9,000 for three charities

Caden Moore, 10, from Ballymoney was diagnosed with very severe Aplastic Anaemia in June 2017 and received a stem cell transplant from his older brother the following month.

Having initially been treated at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Caden was transferred to the RVH for Sick Children in Belfast and eventually had his transplant operation at the Bristol Royal Hospital in England.

With that journey having taken him 530km (329 miles) in total, Caden and his family set themselves the challenge of covering the same distance in the same number of days (51) by all means possible – without using mechanical transport.

In doing so, the Moores raised more than £9,000 for three major charities.

Caden’s own fundraising idea caught the attention of the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards – they recognise the outstanding achievements of the volunteers, fundraisers, clinical supporters and donors who help the pioneering blood cancer charity to save lives.

This year’s awards ceremony was held online, rather than the traditional Tower of London venue, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but maintained its star quality with Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman and comedians Josh Widdicombe and Nish Kumar all involved.

On the night, Caden discovered that he had been commended in the John Petchey Young Hero of the Year award category, receiving a framed certificate and a handwritten card from Anthony Nolan chief executive Henny Braund.

Caden’s mum, Sabrina, said: “We felt that it was very important to recognise the work of three charities – Angel Wishes, the Aplastic Anaemia Trust and Anthony Nolan.

“They have been very close to our hearts since Caden’s diagnosis and we want to support the amazing work that these charities do.

“This is a very difficult time, due to Covid-19, and these charities need our support now, more than ever.”

Caden said he was “shocked and surprised” at the award but added: “My brother was my bone marrow match, and he is my hero.”

Henny Braund said: “It is remarkable to see how many people support our work to find a match for those in need of a stem cell transplant. Without them, none of our life-saving work would be possible.

“Caden has shown tremendous commitment to Anthony Nolan by completing such a difficult challenge.”

• Anthony Nolan is the charity that finds matching stem cell donors for people with blood cancer and blood disorders and gives them a second chance at enjoying life to the full.

The charity also carries out ground-breaking research to save even more lives and to provide information and support to patients after a stem cell transplant, through its clinical nurse specialists and psychologists, who help guide patients every step of the way through their recovery.

To see all the awards night videos, and find out more about the charity visit www.anthonynolan.org/awards