23
Nov 2024
Harrogate man recognised by prime minister after raising £300,000 for cancer charity
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A Harrogate man, whose wife died just 36 hours after being diagnosed with leukaemia, has been recognised for his charitable efforts by the prime minister.
James Badger, 46, who lives in Kettlesing, was awarded the Prime Minister's Points of Light Award by Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith in a ceremony in Grassington on November 14.
He has raised £315,000 for Blood Cancer UK following the loss of his wife, Philippa, who died just 36 hours after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
The money raised has now successfully funded a research project into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) at Cardiff University.
He has taken on extreme challenges to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
On the first anniversary of his wife’s death he cycled 1,600km from Land's End to John O’Groats and to mark the second anniversary, Mr Badger and two friends climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest on a bike.
Mr Badger had been chosen for the award by the prime minister at the time, Rishi Sunak.
Mr Badger said:
It was a complete surprise, and I was delighted. It means a lot for me personally and it doesn’t just go to me but to all those who have supported me through donations, emotional support, and goodwill.
I didn’t expect it, and I was so overwhelmed. I just do it to provide a legacy for Phillipa and create some light from a terrible circumstance.
MP Julian Smith said:
James is an inspiration. His determination and commitment to raising awareness for Blood Cancer UK is an example of the very best of community spirit. He is making a tangible difference, and today, we celebrate his achievements and dedication with this much-deserved Points of Light Award.
Philippa Badger died within just 36 hours of being diagnosed with leukaemia, leaving behind her husband James and three young children.
Next Challenge
Mr Badger has already planned his next challenge which is his most extreme yet.
He plans to now cycle from Harrogate to London on a vintage tandem bike before completing the London marathon.
He hopes to raise over £100,000 to fund a similar project at York University which will focus on the treatment and improving the survival rate of people with blood cancer.
Mr Badger's late wife was diagnosed with AML at the age of 42 leaving him and their three children behind. To honour her he plans to complete the first half of his challenge on a 42-year-old bike.
Mr Badger told the Stray Ferret he aims to raise a similar amount from this challenge.
He said:
I am trying to challenge myself and catch the imagination for two reasons. 1 - to raise funds for a vital cause and 2 – to get people talking and raise awareness.
Sometimes it feels like everything is very negative and it is difficult to see any positives but by setting yourself a challenge you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
James Badger alongside his children
Mr Badger added that he has already begun training for the challenge by fitting in mixture of early morning running and late-night cycling around his busy schedule as a dad and his full-time job.
He said:
It wouldn’t be possible without the support of friends and family. We are also very lucky to live where we are because we have the beautiful countryside to train in.
If anyone wants to be involved, please follow my journey on Instagram and donate to our JustGiving page.
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