A 12-YEAR-OLD boy has raised more than £800 for charity, in the memory of his father.

Theo Nicholson, from Hawnby, decided to spend 24 hours on his trampoline for Yorkshire Cancer Research, while honouring the memory of his father, Robin, who died from cancer in 2011.

“I can’t remember my dad that well because I was only three when he died, but I wanted to do something for him,” said Theo.

“Lots of people are raising money for the NHS right now which is great, but other causes aren’t getting as much support as they used to, which is why I chose Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“I really enjoyed the challenge; the best part was probably the food my mum brought to me while I was on the trampoline.

“She even made hot chocolate in the middle of the night.”

Robin was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer at the age of 49 and died less than three months later.

“It all came out of the blue, when Robin was diagnosed,” added Catherine Nicholson, Theo’s mum.

“Theo was three years old; his brother was just one and a half and I was four months pregnant with my daughter.

“I gave birth two months after he died.

“Robin was a farmer and about a month before his diagnosis he took part in a tractor run for charity and took Theo with him.

“Theo has a very vivid memory of this day with his dad.”

Armed with a sleeping bag, a book, snacks, and water, Theo settled into the challenge hoping to raise awareness for Yorkshire Cancer Research, during the coronavirus pandemic. “It was quite lonely for him on the trampoline during the night,” added Catherine.

“It was a bit frosty in the morning, but he made it through, and his efforts have raised hundreds of pounds for Yorkshire Cancer Research, so I’m very proud.

“It’s quite something for him to do this for a good cause at such a young age.”