THE son of a Llanbadarn Fawr councillor is raising money for a charity which helps grieving children, in memory of his father who tragically died two years ago.

Cameron James wants to raise the money to honour his dad Paul James, a much-loved councillor who was killed in April 2019 after being knocked off his bicycle while training for a charity bike ride.

The 22-year-old has set himself the challenge of running 75 miles throughout May this year to raise money for Grief Encounter – a non-profit organisation that provides support to children and young adults who are grieving.

Cameron said the charity is “close to my heart as I know what it is like to be in that position”.

“Ever since I lost my dad, I have been suffering from grief every day,” he said.

“Losing him has been by far the hardest thing I have had to go through in life.

“At the start, I didn’t really know how to cope properly and didn’t reach out or search for the support I needed. Due to this, I was dealing with my grief terribly, using unpractical methods to push my way through.

“As time has gone by, I have researched organisations that offer support and help to those dealing with grief after losing a close loved one.

“From this, I have seen the type of help offered and have realised the massive part it plays in people’s recovery after losing somebody close.

“For a while now, I have really wanted to do something in memory of my dad for a good cause, but I haven’t been in a good enough mental state to do so.

“Now I feel in a position where I am ready.

“I want to do this fundraiser because, throughout my dad’s life, he accomplished and achieved so many amazing things.

“He was a massive campaigner and fundraiser for various charities over the years.

“Remembering this and the man he was is one of the main motivations for me doing this.”

After setting an initial £1,000 target, Cameron has managed to raise £870 already.

He told the Cambrian News he was “shocked with the response the fundraiser has had”.

“The support has been amazing,” he said.

Cllr James died aged just 61, with tributes pouring in from all over Ceredigion and beyond.

Donations towards Cameron’s fundraising challenge can be made at pauljames.muchloved.com/fundraising/events/619469256