Tom: "I held one of the most historic racing events of all time online, whilst raising money for a cause close to my heart."

Tom Hand was just 12 years old when his mum Shelley died of ovarian cancer. Now 18, he's following in her footsteps and fundraising for ovarian cancer research. 

My late mother used to do charity events all the time. I did my first event in early 2014, a few months before she passed away and I loved it. Fast-forward six years and I came up with the idea of holding one of the most historic motor racing events of all time online, while raising money for a cause close to my heart. 

The event was a one-off gaming event where 60 teams raced against each other for 24 straight hours. I started asking around to see if anyone had done this before and I came across the official virtual event which had celebrities racing. So, I set about advertising and messaging hundreds of people including a few professional drivers, asking if they wanted to compete. In the end I believe we had over 200 people taking part. 

Denmark Studios in Maidenhead gave the Ovarian Cancer Action Race Team a place to hold the event with entertainment from a local band Riser and Raidillon TV covered 27 hours of streaming with us, for free, in aid of OCA. The event was such a success we have had messages from over 100 people, asking us to do more. I am pleased to say I am going to have more fundraising events happening very soon.

In the future, I hope that men, women and kids are educated to identify ovarian cancer as early as possible, to stop people dying from this disease. Early diagnosis is vital and it is horrible to see our mothers, daughters, sisters and relatives go through such horrible ordeals. The sooner we can educate the nation and the world, the better!

My advice for somebody thinking about organising a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Action? Do it! My life is filled with lovely people doing unbelievably kind things in the name of charity. I have made contacts and friends I hope never disappear. Once the event is done and you hear what you have done to help such a wide community, the feeling is absolutely indescribable. If you are afraid of not raising any money then don't be, because anything you can make will change at least one life. The thing about charities is all of your money changes lives for the better. So, in the unlikely situation you raise little, you still help change lives and that is a feeling you won't be able to forget.

If your feel inspired by Tom's event, why not hold your own? For ideas and inspiration visit our fundraising page today.