We previously reported last year on Cockburn School student, nicknamed “Determined Dan” having gone through brain surgery four times.
“I’m determined to fight cancer and I’m determined to help other people going through similar situations” he said.
Daniel remains in good health and he has been extra resilient during these difficult times and has been working very hard on his home learning work set by the school.
The fundraising, not just for equipment at LGI’s Ward 52 where Daniel was treated, but for wider support for patients’ families was boosted last year when the Kyle Asquith Foundation, another charity close to Cockburn’s heart, donated £1251 to the Determined Dan charity. This sum was £1 for every child in school and £1 from Kyle.
Tracy Asquith commented:
“I could not think of a better cause. Daniel is such a brave young man to help others whilst dealing with his own illness. I congratulate Daniel for his good work and bravery.”
Cockburn School agreed to run a campaign to match the same amount at least, and over the past year students and staff have now raised a further £1251 which has taken the Determined Dan total to over £20k!
Rob Dixon, Head of School at Cockburn School said;
“Daniel is such a true model of our school values. We are all so proud of how resilient and aspirational he is.”
Toni Bradley, Daniel’s mum said:
“We really appreciate the support that both the Kyle Asquith Foundation and Cockburn School have given not only Daniel personally but his fundraising efforts too.
“It’s really great to see a local school getting behind a local charity. Covid-19 has scuppered many plans for our events in 2020, so this just helps to keep the fundraising pot ticking over while we plan for next year…hopefully!”
And a final word from Daniel:
“A massive thank you to the Kyle Asquith Foundation and my fellow pupils and friends at Cockburn for taking part in the non-uniform days, it really means a lot to me and has helped taken our fundraising over £20k!”
If you would like to donate please go to the Determined Dan Just Giving page.
Photo: Daniel Morton, with his mother Toni Pearce, meeting the Countess of Wessex at the opening of the Children’s Cardiac Hybrid Theatre an 3TMRI facility at Leeds Children’s Hospital in March 2019
