A Cambridge taxi driver, who is well known for his superhero impersonations, is hoping his challenge of a lifetime will celebrate the heroes of a local children’s hospice.
John Byatt, 61, of Cromwell Road, Saffron Walden, is inspired by Tommy Cooper and Russ Abbott and does ‘Cooperman’ performances for charity. He will be swapping his costumes for walking boots and undertaking a Cuban trek in November to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
John works for Panther Taxis in Cambridge. He has been married to his wife Trisha for 39 years, and has a 31-year-old son, Edward. He is no stranger to fundraising, and has raised thousands of pounds for charity with impersonation performances, donations from customers and even a Thailand trek.
John is hoping his challenge will highlight the UK’s Children’s Hospice Week (14-21 May). This year’s theme is ‘Be a hero’ and throughout the week, EACH will be encouraging the public to raise funds hero-style.
“There are many causes in our community which need help, especially EACH, which provides a vital service to ill children and their families. The hospice staff and children who go there are heroes and I hope my fundraising will celebrate that”, John said.
“I really enjoy raising funds for charity and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported my efforts so far and helped to support worthy causes- I just hope the local community will sponsor me for my new challenge.”
“My friends and family are really supportive, but my son thinks I’m a bit of a nutcase!”
John has an initial target of £2,800 to raise, but would like to raise more. Much of his fundraising has been done offline, but to sponsor John visit his JustGiving page
EACH is a registered charity that relies upon public support for the majority of its required income of around £5.8 million.
