A TERMINALLY ill father has expressed his immense pride after his ten-year-old son managed to raise thousands for a cancer support charity.

Nathan Gedye-Jones, a pupil at Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School, raised more than £3,200 for The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Charity after he spent 13 hours blindfolded.

Nathan decided to undertake the challenge to be ‘blind for the day’ to experience what it was like for his father Richard Jones who is terminally ill with a cancer that caused him to go blind.

Richard expressed thanks to everyone who helped Nathan and congratulated his son on being so brave: ‘Nathan found it tough but he did really well — I am so proud of Nathan.

‘The school was so supportive and fantastic and they even raised a collection. I am also so proud of his friends and the school who have all rallied around Nathan.’

On his Crowdfunder web page, Nathan, who is in class 5/6 at Mary Tavy and Brentor School, said: ‘Daddy’s cancer, which started in his sinuses, has recently made him blind. I am going to spend a whole day blind as a challenge. To make it even harder I am going to do it on a school day.’

During the day, Nathan undertook all the same lessons as his classmates, including a spelling test and a PE class — he even attempted a game of football with his friends. One highlight for Nathan was having teaching assistant Ros Cleaver dress up as ‘Mustard’ the guide dog.

Headteacher Barbara Earnshaw said the whole school was amazed at the level of dedication Nathan showed to the challenge: ‘Nathan was blindfolded from the moment he woke up until the moment he went to bed. Nathan is determined and very resilient and we are really proud of him here at the school.

‘This was his idea and it is something that he wanted to do — not only to raise money for charity but to also see what it’s like for his dad.

‘The staff and children at the school are all really proud.’

Nathan’s mum Sharon Gedye, who was with Nathan all day for the challenge, said this was a good experience for Nathan and a memory he will always share with his father.

She said: ‘Nathan found it hard work at the school trying to work, like with maths and sewing, and the blindfold made him tired and ill in the afternoon but I think he was interested to be in Richard’s shoes for the day.

‘The local community has been very supportive and the money has been raised by family, friends and our extended network.

‘What Nathan did was very brave but like his dad, he takes everything in his stride.

‘I think for Nathan to have this to look back on will mean he will have that bond with his dad and know that they have shared something.’

Nathan’s funding page www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ nathans-blind-for-a-day-challenge and donations will be open until November 21.

l The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre, at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, has been created to support people with cancer, their carers and family. The centre is available to anyone affected by cancer at any stage of the illness and offers a wide range of services within a comfortable environment, where you can share your concerns, ask questions and receive support.

The centre is also available at the outreach clinics (Triangle Centres) at Kingsbridge, Liskeard and Tavistock one day a week.