GOLDEN bikes and scooters have been displayed around Flint and Bagillt to raise awareness of childhood cancer as part of Giddo’s Gift’s ‘Go Gold’ initiative.
The annual campaign led by Mandy Giddins B.E.M runs throughout September – childhood cancer awareness month – to raise hope, funds, and awareness so that “one day we will find a cure and no child has to suffer.”
Giddo’s Gift was set up in memory of Jordan ‘Giddo’ Giddins, of Flint, who lost his life to cancer aged just 18 in April 2017. To honour his life, and to support other young facing battles similar to Jordans, as well as other families going through heartbreak, Mandy and her daughter Beth established the gift-giving and grant-making charity in 2018.
This year, 12 bikes and 3 scooters have been sprayed gold and decorated with the names and dates of young people who have been taken too soon from cancer. Over 250 golden heart tributes have also been displayed on the railings of St Mary’s Church, Flint, and Chester Suspension Bridge.
Mandy said: “Giddo’s Gift is painting the town of Flint gold again – and we’ll keep doing this until we find a cure for childhood cancer.
“Giddo’s Gift has always been about more than just grants and wishes. It’s about acknowledging the incredible strength of teenagers and young adults facing the toughest battles. Around 3,755 young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK alone, and almost every day a young person loses their life to this disease.
“These golden bikes and hearts are a tribute a symbol of hope and remembrance. We’re not just raising awareness. We’re shining a light on the stories that need to be told and the lives that deserve to be celebrated. Because no child should grow up a in hospital bed.”
Mandy also wants to normalise conversations around childhood cancer, and urge other parents or young people to clue up on the signs and symptoms of this disease.
Mandy added: “Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it ripples through families, friends, and communities. It’s vital that people are aware of what to look out for, especially as young people’s risk factors for developing cancer aren’t well understood, mainly because this group of cancers are relatively rare and diverse.”
Giddo’s Gift’s ‘Go Gold’ initiative also aims to boost funds towards research into childhood cancer. Mandy said: “Medical research has come a long way in the past few years, but researchers still don’t fully know the risk factors that contribute to cancer in young people. Childhood cancer remains largely a mystery.
“This is why, as a charity, we annually contribute to childhood cancer research foundations that seeks less aggressive treatments and better outcomes for young cancer patients. Go Gold with us this September and help us channel our efforts into supporting research so causes can be discovered, treatments can be improved, and hope can be given to thousands of families.”
Flint Town Council have also donated £100 to Giddo’s Gift. Councillor Mel Buckley, Flint Town Mayor, said: “I am proud to express my continued support for Giddo’s Gift, a charity that has consistently made a profound impact on the lives of children and families in need. The charity’s unwavering commitment to providing essential resources, support and emotional care to those facing serious illnesses means that Giddo’s Gift has become a beacon of hope. I wholeheartedly support their mission knowing that every contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a huge difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Flint Town Hall will be lit blue, Jordan’s favourite colour, this week and gold next week to mark childhood cancer awareness month.