Youngsters take on fundraising challenges for NHS staff
Kind-hearted youngsters have walked and cycled to raise funds for NHS heroes in the Black Country.
Having been inspired by the Clap for Carers event, nine-year-old Jaime Downing, from Wollaston, completed a 100km bike ride in aid of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.
Meanwhile, Halesowen brothers Jacob and Noah Beecroft, aged eight and five, trekked the equivalent distance it takes to reach the summit of Snowdon.
Both challenges aimed to raise £100 for the trust – but in the end, each clocked up more than 10 times that amount.
Cycling fanatic Jaime and her dad, Andy, pedalled from their house to the top of Clee Hill in a seven-hour round trip. The St James's CE Primary School pupil attends 4th Stourbridge Cubs and one of the badges they can earn involves completing a personal challenge. Sporty Jaime, who is a member of the Black Country Triathletes, will donate the money to the hospital's emergency department.
Jaime's mother, Charlotte, said: "Having already cycled 80km to Ironbridge, Jaime set herself the target of riding 100km.
"She decided to raise sponsorship and particularly wanted to support Russells Hall Hospital because, she said, ‘I was born there and when I broke my thumb, they fixed it for me’.”
Lutley Primary School pupils Jacob and Noah completed their nine-mile walk alongside dad Russ. They set off from home and hiked to the Hagley Obelisk, before heading to Clent and tackling a steep climb to the Four Stones monument.
They met their mother Michele and younger brother Isaac at the top and, after posing for a photo with their Walking for the NHS banner, the boys retraced their steps arriving back home five hours later to cheers from family and neighbours.
Proud mother Michele said: "Their faces were beaming as they did a lap of honour with their banner around our street.
“The walk was made extra special as their grandad followed every step of the way, staying two metres behind. They knew they were doing something important and never gave up.”
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, added: "These young fundraisers should feel very proud of what they have achieved. All the staff would like to say a big thank you to them.
"Their donations will make a real difference.”
