BUDE people are doing all they can to raise money and awareness of a local cause, Talan’s Trust.

The charity-in-progress, formerly known as ‘Talan’s Journey’, was used to support and raise awareness of childhood cancer, after Bude teenager, Talan Penny, had developed a rare form of the disease — Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Sadly, Talan passed away in May at the age of just 19, and the team behind Talan’s Journey has since started exploring how to turn the group into a charity, thus renaming it ‘Talan’s Trust’.

The team is now receiving endless amounts of support from local people wanting to raise money for Talan’s Trust’s chosen charity, The Chris Lucas Trust.

Chris also sadly died from the rare rhabdomyosarcoma disease, and his memorial charity funds two full-time researchers at the Royal Marsden Hospital, who focus on investigating rhabdomyosarcoma tumors.

A close friend to Talan and his sister, Tegan, Hannah Adamson from Bude, part of the team behind Talan’s Trust, explained in further detail about the thought behind the charity.

She said: “We changed the name to Talan’s Trust to reflect that it is now a charity to remember Talan by. ‘Trust’ has more longevity than ‘journey’, and it is no longer a simple fundraising page, but an actual charity — ‘journey’ just didn’t feel very appropriate anymore.

“The money that is raised by events supporting Talan’s Trust will then be sent to the Christ Lucas Trust, who also died from the same cancer as Talan — rhabdomyosarcoma. The money raised from events will be used to fund two full-time researchers at the Royal Marsden Hospital, who solely investigate rhabdomyosarcoma tumors.”

Along with a new name, the trust has also got a new logo — a lion, fitting due to his close family and friends calling him a ‘lion’ during the difficult times.

The logo has been designed by Talan’s godfather, Shaun Courtenay, and digitalised by Julie Lewis.

On the trust’s Facebook page, the team wrote: “We think he’s a true representation of Talan — courageous, cheeky and always smiling.”

To support the cause, people in Bude have been trying to raise money in any way they can, from charity bike rides to a skydive — all in support of this charity and in memory of their dear friend Talan.

Becky Cottle, 18, from Bude, jumped from 15,000 feet for her charity skydive, raising nearly £400.

Having completed her skydive on Friday, August 4, Becky jumped 15,000 feet in the air, raising £380 overall. This was to mark her friendship with Talan, as she had known him since she was young.

She told the Post: “I chose to do a skydive for Talan because I’ve known him for many years through Bude Surf Life Saving Club, being there since a child. I decided to do it as my best friend also did a skydive for another charity — we did it together.”

Becky has just started a new position as a teacher assistant at St Petroc’s School in Bude.

Samuel Jennings, a young man from Bude, has also recently done his bit to remember Talan. At such a young age, Sam has already undertaken a vast amount of bike rides and walks, all in the name of charity. This time, he set himself the challenge to take part in the Great North Bike Ride, alongside his aunty, Emma Bartrop, and Martyn Vigg, as well as 2,000 other keen cyclists.

The trio decided to take on the challenge because they were all close family friends to Talan.

To donate to Sam, Emma and Martyn, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/samuelscycle.

Talan’s Trust is now focusing on a big fundraising event in November, which will come in the form of a 19km run, taking in some of Talan’s favourite places around Bude, as well as the canal and coastal paths. The event is called #TAL19 and will take place on November 19.

Talan would have been 20 years old on November 21, so the team thought the date of the event would be a fitting tribute.

Preparation is now underway for the run, with a route being available on the Talan’s Trust Facebook page. Pairs and groups of four are also welcome to join, with pairs undertaking 9.5k each and groups undertaking 4.75k each.

All money raised from this will go to the Chris Lucas Trust.

This month, September, is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which is symbolised by a gold bow.