Shane Yerrell will walk the Great Wall of China in memory of James Bulger

Shane Yerrell briefly met Denise Fergus at the glitzy award ceremony last year, his presence in recognition of the support he offers terminally ill patients via his Waltham Abbey charity Through the Fight.

Mrs Fergus was there to be honoured for her bullying and bereavement support foundation For James, which was set up 19 years after the two year old was abducted and murdered in Liverpool.

The pair’s mutual sympathy and desire to help society’s most vulnerable sparked a friendship that has convinced Mr Yerrell to embark on an six day hike in James’ memory.

He said: “Denise is amazing. She has turned the worst of experiences into something inspirational.

“When I met her I instantly knew we would get on. She is someone I am desperate to help really.

“She has done a lot of good things for a lot of good people.”

On May 4 Mr Yerrell will begin his trek to the Great Wall of China’s highest point in a trip he has self-funded, allowing every penny raised to be donated to For James.

Part of the fundraising drive includes an event at the Town Mead Sport and Social Club in Waltham Abbey on April 28, which will feature Streets Ahead dance group and to-be-confirmed acts from The Voice and The X Factor.

More details of the fundraising day will be published closer to the time.

When not supporting the good causes of others, Mr Yerrell has spent the past six years helping those suffering from ill health and disability and bereavement, as well as victims of crime.

He added: “We have helped a lot of different families.

“We have helped to pay for two people’s funerals after they were stabbed to death and raised money for a lady that was terminally ill and took a trip to America. She slipped over in her bath and got stuck over there.

“BA gave her a free flight back so we used the money to pay her medical bills and for her funeral.”

To donate to Mr Yerrell’s For James appeal, click here.