Mason’s family seek campsite in upper Teesdale for charity ride

A GROUP of cyclists are calling on the support of upper dale residents as they prepare to ride more than 100 miles in memory of a courageous six-year-old who lost his battle with cancer.
For more than four years, Mason Campion fought an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour on his brain – a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite defying medics who gave him just six months to live, Mason died at his home in Hunwick on June 30 last year.
In memory of their little hero, Mason’s mum and dad, Andrew Campion and Carol Newton, have set up a charitable trust called Mason’s Smile.
Throughout their ordeal they were given the chance to go on holidays away from the hospital to enjoy normality for a few days.
They are now hoping to give other families who are experiencing a similar ordeal the same opportunity so they can have a break in a holiday home and make memories they will treasure forever.
Mason’s Smile for Monster Miles is a charity bike ride being organised by his uncle, Paul Campion, which will begin at Whitehaven, in Cumbria, and finish in Bishop Auckland. The three-day fundraising event will begin on Friday, July 28.
An overnight stopover site in the upper dale is being sought for the 16 riders who plan on reaching the Langdon Beck area on the evening of Saturday, July 29.
Facilities are not essential and the use of a field in which to camp would be sufficient. They have already been offered the free use of a campsite in Keswick for the first night.
Mason’s aunt, Emma Campion, is helping to organise the ride. She said: “It is not going to be easy. Mason touched the hearts of a big community. His little smile was renowned.
“He fought hard with a smile on his face. The whole community came together for that little boy.
“His mum and dad want his memory to live on. They know what those holidays meant to them, making memories that no one can take away from them.”
The Mason’s Smile holiday home is located at Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, near Hartlepool.
Mason’s dad, Mr Campion, who is a former Evenwood Town FC footballer, has been working hard to get the caravan ready for the first family to visit next month.
Emma said: “To keep the caravan going we have to keep fundraising. Last year there was a sponsored walk from Newcastle to Bishop Auckland. That is going ahead again this year.”
The riders are also in need of supplies for their three-day journey. Donations of items such as energy drinks and protein bars are being welcomed to help them cross the finish line.
Anyone who might be able to help can contact Ms Campion on 07411 189568.