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Rafael raises nearly £250,000 as a big ‘thank you’ to charity Camp Simcha

The Kerem pupil played a key role in the charity’s recent fundraiser to support seriously ill children and their families

April 22, 2025 15:43
Rafael (left) and Joey Tahan at the kids' hairdresser (Photo: Joey Tahan)
Rafael Tahan (left) with his brother, Joey, who also fundraised (Photo: Joey Tahan)
3 min read

A nine-year-old boy who has been receiving treatment for leukaemia has raised almost £250,000 for the charity that has been supporting him during his illness.

Rafael Tahan, a Year 4 pupil at Kerem School in north-west London, was diagnosed with the illness in March 2023, undergoing intensive chemotherapy for around 14 months. Afterwards, he went onto a maintenance chemotherapy programme, which still entailed regular hospital visits.

During his gruelling treatment, Camp Simcha, a charity that supports Jewish children with serious illnesses and their families, frequently sent volunteers to entertain Rafael, visited him at home and also took him to a two-week camp in America. They also invited him and his family, who are members of Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue, on a family retreat.

Speaking in a film for the charity’s recent match-funding campaign, for which he raised £248,000, Rafael said: “Over the last two years, Camp Simcha helped me through the difficult times. When I went to the first family retreat in 2023, it was such a happy place. It brought a smile back to my face.”