A ten-year-old boy from north west London, who bravely battled leukaemia for years, has been nationally recognised for his extraordinary fundraising efforts, having raised a staggering £400,000 for the charities that supported him.
A Gruelling Battle and Unwavering Support
Rafael Tahan was just seven years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in March 2023. His fight for life involved intensive chemotherapy, during which he endured more than 20 operations and 100 blood transfusions.
Throughout this incredibly challenging period, Rafael was supported by Camp Simcha, an organisation dedicated to helping Jewish children with serious illnesses through support services, retreats, and activities.
Giving Back in a Remarkable Way
Now in remission and continuing his recovery, Rafael has given back in an astounding fashion. He has raised £248,000 for Camp Simcha alone, a charity he says was instrumental in helping to bring 'a smile back to [his] face'.
His fundraising drive took off during Camp Simcha's Matched Funding campaign this year. Rafael has also raised money for Chai Cancer Care, bringing his total fundraising sum to an incredible £400,000.
In a promotional video for Camp Simcha, Rafael recalled his diagnosis and the support he received, including a trip to Camp America. 'I was nervous,' he said, 'but Camp Simcha sent a volunteer with me. He took me to activities when I needed help.' Rafael now hopes to volunteer for the charity himself one day.
National Recognition and a Family of Fundraisers
Rafael's incredible efforts were formally recognised last month when he was awarded The British Citizen Youth Award, which is supported by The People's Honours. He and his family travelled to the House of Lords where he was presented with the accolade.
The BCyA, founded in 2016, aims to celebrate the outstanding community work of young people across the UK.
Fundraising talent runs in the Tahan family. Rafael's older brother, Joey, showed solidarity during Rafael's chemotherapy by shaving his head, initially aiming to raise £18,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital. He spectacularly smashed that target, raising a final total of £106,792 for the hospital's Children's Cancer Centre.
Their father, David, reflected on the immense challenges Rafael faced, including the intense treatment that caused him to miss a considerable amount of school. He expressed profound gratitude for the charities that supported his son throughout that difficult time.
