Princess is inspiring Cambridgeshire youngsters to follow in Callum's footsteps

Nominations for the Diana Awards Legacy Award can still be submitted.

Communities in Cambridgeshire are being asked to shine a light on youngsters making positive changes in the lives of people around them by nominating them for an inaugural Diana Award.

The awards are given out in the name of Diana, Princess of Wales, with the support of both her sons, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, to young role models who are transforming the lives of others.

This year, which is the 20th since the Princess’ death, will include the legacy award, enabling 20 young people from around the world to receive the honour.

Recipients join a unique development programme to enhance their skills in leadership, community development, social entrepreneurship and technology.

Callum Fairhurst, from Soham, received a Diana Award for his fundraising efforts in memory of his brother Liam, who was diagnosed with cancer when he was 10 and died in 2009 when he was 14.

Last year, he cycled around the world, raising more than £22,000 for the Liam Fairhurst Foundation.

Callum said: “I had to be back for Christmas – that’s what my parents told me.

“I started at 10 Downing Street – the Prime Minister waved me off – and I cycled 18 miles to Heathrow and got on a plane to Australia.”

From there, Callum went through Europe and Asia, then over to the west coast of America, down to the Gulf and Cuba, and up to New York.

“There are people who did it quicker and I think they’re mad,” said Callum. “It’s the most impressive thing. It was an amazing experience, and part of the fun was having no training or plan. I got fit as I went along, eight hours a day in the saddle.

“I remember so strongly when I just thought ‘This is awful’. It was usually when there was a strong headwind and I’d think I’m getting nowhere, but for those really bad moments there were hundreds of amazing memories.”

Callum, 19, is now studying international development at the University of East Anglia. He said that he was honoured to receive the Diana Award, but they are more than an event. The award has helped him, and many other winners, to go on to achieve more.

Nominations close this Friday (March 17). Visit diana-award.org.uk for more details.