Seven white balloons were released at a Sydney family day to commemorate the life of schoolboy Julian Cadman, who died in the Barcelona terrorist attack, and raise funds for his parents.
The seven-year-old’s mother, Jumarie, was left hospitalised in a critical condition when the pair were caught up in the chaos on the popular tourist spot Las Ramblas in mid-August.
Staff at western Sydney’s Prodigy Martial Arts in Seven Hills, where Julian trained, organised Saturday’s special fundraising event.
Students released the white balloons in a park next to the martial arts centre to symbolise each year of Julian’s short life. Julian’s instructor, Peter Vass, released seven butterflies.
White balloons were released at a Sydney charity day to remember schoolboy Julian Cadman (above) who was killed in the Barcelona terror attack in August
The balloons were released at the family day by seven of Julian’s young friends (above)
‘Julian we’re thinking of you and we love you,’ an organiser told the crowd.
A friend of the young boy, Alex, put on a martial arts display at the fundraiser and said he felt Julian’s eyes guiding him through his act, Nine News reports.
‘Thank you for watching over us during our performance, everything here is for you,’ he said as he gazed up at the sky.
Julian’s friend, Alex (above), said he felt Julian’s eyes guiding him through his martial arts performance
The seven balloons floated into the sky to symbolise each year of Julian’s short life
The western Sydney community came together in the park to enjoy martial arts demonstrations, a jumping castle, food, drinks, face painting and a charity auction.
Organisers who pulled the event together in one week raised more than $30,000 through auctions and raffles.
One bidder won a date with former taekwondo champion and current Home and Away actor Jake Ryan for $550.
His involvement in the day was a particularly meaningful one, with him likening the Prodigy Martial Arts to his family, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Students released the white balloons in a park next to the martial arts centre to symbolise each year of Julian’s short life
Staff at western Sydney’s Prodigy Martial Arts in Seven Hills, where Julian trained, organised Saturday’s special fundraising event
‘I grew up with these guys, we’re like family to me, which is why it’s so important we are together,’
He was joined by his co-star Sam Frost, who said she couldn’t comprehend how Julian’s family was coping.
‘It was such a sad tragedy, you can’t help but feel awful for their family and friends,’ she said.
Taekwondo Olympians Ali and Safwan Khalil, Hayder Shkara and Carmen Marton, Australia’s first world champion, were also on hand to auction off training sessions.
‘It’s so important we show love, unity, respect and tolerance,’ Mr Marton said.
Home and Away stars Jake Ryan (right) and Sam Frost (left) attended the event to show their support
Signed jerseys from Liverpool FC and the Newcastle Jets, accommodation and a luxury Sydney Harbour cruise were also offered to raise money for the Cadmans.
Saturday’s event was one of several fundraisers for the seven-year-old’s family with the Wiggles planning two charity concerts at the Evan Theatre at the Penrith Panthers club on September 12.
The Wiggles this week revealed long-serving blue Wiggle Anthony has a personal connection to the Cadman family.
A Facebook post from the musical group revealed: ‘Anthony and his family grew up across the road from Julian’s grandparents and Anthony and his six brothers and sisters attended Julian’s school, St Bernadette’s, in Lalor Park.’
Family friend Scott Bowman has also established a GoFundMe page which, as of Saturday evening, has raised more than $245,000 for the Cadmans.
One bidder won a date with former taekwondo champion and current Home and Away actor Jake Ryan for $550 (pictured left)