21st May 2010
A Cambridge impressionist, who is well known for his Tommy Cooper and Russ Abbott ‘Cooperman’ impressions, will be swapping his costumes for walking boots as he prepares for a charity trek.
John Byatt, 61, of Cromwell Road, Saffron Walden, will undertake a Cuban trek in March next year, to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
John, who works as a taxi driver for Panther Taxis in Cambridge, is no stranger to fundraising, and has raised thousands of pounds for charity with impersonation performances, donations from his customers (which have been matched by his employer) and even a Thailand trek.
"There are many causes in our community who need help, especially EACH, which provides a vital service to ill children and their families", 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", he added.
This week is Children’s Hospice Week (15-22 May) which is the UK’s biggest awareness and fundraising week for children’s hospice services. Throughout the week, children’s hospices across the UK will be celebrating the week hero style- to celebrate hospice heroes including families, staff and volunteers.
The main focus event of the week is an exciting art exhibition in London, called This is my Hero. This one-off creative display will showcase and auction artworks created by children who are not expected to reach adulthood, as well as hero masks exclusively designed by celebrities.
John decided to dress up as the ‘Super Cooper’ character to launch his fundraising efforts ‘hero-style’ and raise awareness of Children’s Hospice Week to the wider community.
Some children may only have a short time to live, perhaps only weeks or months, others may reach early adulthood but the EACH aim is always the same – to enhance their quality of life and support their family.
EACH is a registered charity that relies upon public support for the majority of its required income of around £5.8 million.
