A BARNSLEY College student who was diagnosed with leukaemia as a toddler has raised hundreds of pounds for Blood Cancer UK.

Public Services student, Eduard Cristea, raised over £250 by doing an eight-mile walk from Goldthorpe to Barnsley to raise the money.

Eduard was diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia, aged three, and was given critical end-of-life care in his home country Romania. He was transferred to the Children’s Oncology Unit of the San Matteo Hospital in Italy, where he received a bone marrow transplant and he has been in remission for 11 years.

A college spokesman said: “Eduard is an outstanding student whose selfless efforts to raise money for charities reflect his deep compassion and commitment to making a difference.”

Eduard said: “I decided to do a sponsored walk to create a small difference in another child’s life who may be suffering from leukaemia and others suffering from blood diseases.

“Hopefully, the money I raised will support people suffering and will provide food, money, toys, medical equipment etc. I received a lot of support and generosity when I was younger, and I would like to pay this back to others.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the staff and students in Public Services and my friends and family who have supported me during this charity event.”

Laura Wood, Public Services Course Leader, added: “Eduard is an outstanding student whose selfless efforts to raise money for charities reflect his deep compassion and commitment to making a difference.

“His personal journey inspires all who have battled serious illnesses, showing them the power of resilience, gratitude, and the ability to find happiness even in the face of adversity.

“Eduard’s kindness and strength are an inspiration, reminding us all to appreciate the smaller things in life.”