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Hundreds walk in memory of Michael Crayford, from Gillingham, who lost brain tumour fight

The grieving family of a schoolboy who has died from cancer joined about 200 friends on a walk in his memory.

The eight-mile trek was prompted by mates of Michael Crayford from Robert Napier School, Gillingham, and followed a route they all used to cycle on their bikes together.

The 13-year-old lost his battle with an aggressive brain tumour after being diagnosed last September.

Michael Crayford
Michael Crayford

Walkers started and finished at Beechings playing field in Twydall via Capstone Farm Country Park where they released balloons with the message, ‘Fly High Michael’.

The event raised £1,601.66 which will be donated to his parents David, 45, and Carole, 43, and Michael’s twin sisters Rebecca and Hannah, 11, to spend as they wish.

It was organised by mum-of-two Keelie Briggs, whose son Ryan Obbard, 14, was a close friend and was missing him greatly.

She said: “Ryan always tried to be there for Michael. And to be honest he has been struggling.

“I think this has helped him. He was so chuffed when he saw how much we had raised.”

Hundreds turned out to walk in memory of Michael Crayford
Hundreds turned out to walk in memory of Michael Crayford

The 35-year-old added: “Nothing will bring Michael back or what they must be going through.

“But we would hope this might help them in a small way.”

Just before Christmas it looked as though Michael had beaten the odds after undergoing a 14-hour operation to remove a growth.

His parents, of Danes Hill, Gillingham, had become worried about his headaches, blurred vision and nausea.

He was transferred to King’s College Hospital, London, where it was confirmed he had a rare strain of the disease.

Mrs Briggs, of Northbourne Avenue, said the family were “totally overwhelmed” by the support of so many people.

Michael's parents David and Carole Crayford with twins Rebecca and Hannah
Michael's parents David and Carole Crayford with twins Rebecca and Hannah

Among those who has paid a personal tribute is Andrew Minchin, the head teacher of his secondary school in Third Avenue.

He said: “The whole school was very saddened by this devastating news and we have been doing all that is possible to provide help and support to Michael’s family, his close friends and other students and staff.”

Speaking on Tuesday, Mrs Crayford said: “We would like to thank everyone for the support and love we have been shown. We are pleased that Michael touched so many lives and was loved so much.

“We will do all we can to fundraise for research into brain tumours, which is something Michael wanted to do when better.

“Michael was a brave boy. We are very proud of him. He will always be missed and loved.”

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