Uncle's Forever 11 fund-raising for Brian House in support of his nephew

A devoted uncle is organising 11 fund-raising events in honour of his young nephew who died of a rare brain cancer last year.
Alan Howson, of Cleveleys, with his nephew Charlie Jordan, who died of a rare brain cancer in February 2017Alan Howson, of Cleveleys, with his nephew Charlie Jordan, who died of a rare brain cancer in February 2017
Alan Howson, of Cleveleys, with his nephew Charlie Jordan, who died of a rare brain cancer in February 2017

Alan Howson, is gathering his colleagues at Royal Preston Hospital to join him on his crusade to raise funds for Brian House Children’s Hospice, in Blackpool, which cared for his 11-year-old nephew Charlie Jordan, of Thornton, until he died last February.The 45-year-old is beginning his series of events with a workoutathon at DW Fitness, in Preston, on Saturday May 5 and will culminate with the Hell Run on October 13, where more than 67 people are registered to take part.Alan, of Cleveleys, who is a night facilities manager at Royal Preston Hospital, said: “Charlie had Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) – an aggressive form of brain tumour mostly affecting children - and was cared for by Brian House, which relies on donations. “Staff and volunteers there went above and beyond in caring for Charlie. It truly is a wonderful place. “We can’t bring Charlie back but we can keep his memory alive by doing these events for Brian House. Charlie was 11 when he passed away so we thought it would be fitting to do 11 events, with the tag line Charlie, Forever 11. “We have the workoutathon, bake sales, a summer barbecue, a tower to tower 5k run, a casino night and a quiz night. “We will end with the Hell Run in October which is the toughest off road half marathon, through Delamere Forest. I did this last year with a team of four and it has grown, with 67 people signed up so far. “Charlie loved his superheroes and so Team Charlie’s Superhero’s Hell Runners 18 is now officially fully formed, with everyone aiming to do Charlie, his mum and family proud.“It is wonderful to think that 66 of those people didn’t even know Charlie but are doing it on behalf of myself and Brian House.“Our first event is the workoutathon, organised by my colleague Paula Veevers, who is a member of the DW Fitness gym. The instructors are giving up their time for free.“Anyone can turn up and pay £10 and join in any of the classes - you don’t have to be a member. It will be a great afternoon.”The workoutathon, from 1pm until 5pm, is £10 and includes continuing 45-minute classes of body combat, dance fit, spin, insanity and body pump. Spin and pump have limited spaces, so people need to reserve when booking by calling Jacky on 07775 532529.If anyone can offer support in the form of raffle or auction prizes, or wants to get involved in any way, contact [email protected] or Jacky on 07775 532529.