Jude's dream lives on as supporters abseil to raise £4,800 for Sheffield children's charity

A Sheffield children's charity inspired by a little boy's mission to "get books to children" celebrated its third birthday with a sponsored abseil that raised more than £4,800.

Eighteen supporters, including six children, took on the challenge at Millers Dale Viaduct on Sunday, July 12, to raise money for Jude and the Book Factory, with donations still continuing to come in.

placeholder image — Jude and the book factory | contributed

The charity was founded in memory of Jude Mellon Jameson, who came up with the idea while undergoing treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma.

Jude, who loved reading, believed books could bring comfort to children facing long hospital stays.

At just four-years-old, he started collecting and donating books to other children, designing the charity's now recognisable logo himself and setting out on his simple mission to "get books to children".

Following his death in 2023, aged five, his family turned his project into a registered charity.

Since then, it has donated almost 8,500 brand new children's books to hospitals, hospices and families affected by childhood cancer and grief across the UK.

It also provides activity packs and gifts for children undergoing treatment and funds creative workshops to encourage a love of reading and creativity.

The anniversary fundraiser brought together supporters of all ages, including children who have experienced childhood cancer themselves, family members, volunteers and members of the local community.

Among those taking part was nine-year-old Heidi, who has battled leukaemia twice.

Following successful CAR T-cell therapy, she has returned to school and dancing while continuing an intensive hospital schedule.

After completing the abseil, she said: "I felt great after. I wanted to do it again and again!"

Among them was nine-year-old Heidi, who has faced leukaemia twice. Following successful
CAR T-cell therapy, Heidi still has an intensive hospital schedule but has been m back at
school, back dancing and embracing new adventures. — Among them was nine-year-old Heidi, who has faced leukaemia twice. Following successful CAR T-cell therapy, Heidi still has an intensive hospital schedule but has been m back at school, back dancing and embracing new adventures. | Contributed

She enjoyed the challenge so much that she completed multiple descents, including one alongside Jude's seven-year-old cousin, Anna.

Also taking part was 10-year-old Lenny, Jude's cousin, who has supported fundraising efforts since Jude's treatment through sponsored events and book donations.

After making his way down the viaduct, he said: "This is actually more incredible than I thought it would be!"

Jude's mum, Lucy Mellon-Jameson, said the charity's third anniversary was an emotional milestone.

She said: "It was a bittersweet day. We're incredibly proud of everything Jude and the Book Factory has become, but a legacy also means Jude isn't here to enjoy it. And enjoy it he would.

"The day was full of laughter, encouragement and community. Seeing 18 amazing people, including six children, take on such an incredible challenge to celebrate Jude and the Book Factory's third birthday was incredibly special.

“We're so grateful to everyone who made it happen."

What started with Jude hiding books for other children to discover has since grown into a charity that has supported thousands of families, ensuring his mission to "get books to children" continues long after his death.