Hero Harry raises thousands to help little Rosie’s plight with sponsored run around Harrogate

A Harrogate youngster is dedicating his Christmas holidays to spreading some festive cheer to those who need it most.

Seven-year-old Harry Wickham has decided to run 50km across the Christmas period in a bid to raise money for Candelighters, the charity offering support to families of children with cancer.

Harry’s cousin Rosie was diagnosed with a spinal tumour in May, aged just 16 months old.

Rosie, who will turn two at the end of the month, has already had to endure two 10-hour surgeries and is now on a gruelling course of 18 months of chemotherapy.

The family has been supported by Candelighters throughout the process, which inspired Harry to begin his journey of tackling a 3km run every day over the holidays, no matter the weather and even on Christmas Day.

His mum Sarah said: “I know this year has been very challenging for everyone, but it has been particularly horrendous for our family.

“We are really close, especially all the cousins, and Harry and Rosie just get on so well.

“Over the last few months we have seen how much support Candelighters has shown to the family and how much Rosie looks forward to seeing all the people who work for them, even though it is in the worst of circumstances.

“Harry has really picked up on that and wanted to do something to make a difference - and he loves taking on a big challenge. He is just the most thoughtful little boy.

”When coming up with the idea for the challenge, Harry was inspired by rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield’s recent efforts, in which he ran seven marathons in seven days to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Sarah added: “He is so sporty and always wants to be active.

“He said he’d like to run a really big distance so we sat down together and came up with the idea to spread it out over the holidays to make it more manageable.

“We said it would be hard and he wouldn’t want to go out sometimes but he has been so determined and has pushed through even when it’s been miserable outside. He’s amazing.”

In just one week Harry has already raised over £6,000 - more than 12 times his original target of £500.

He appeared on ITV Calendar over the weekend and saw his donations jump more than £1,300.

Sarah added: “We would have been so pleased with the £500 we were originally aiming for, so to get to more than £6,000 is just unbelievable.

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated and got involved, sharing their kind and encouraging words. It means so much.

“Harry’s school, Rossett Acre Primary, has also been so supportive and all his class have sponsored him. It’s so lovely.

“He doesn’t really like the attention, he just wants to help without being in the spotlight, but he has been blown away by the support he has received.”

A post on the appeal’s JustGiving page, written by Sarah, reads: “The Candlelighters Trust has been incredibly supportive of Rosie, Helen, James and Toby in so many ways - offering practical, emotional and financial support.

“They have a big presence at the Oncology clinic at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) where Rosie attends, they play and entertain her whilst being a friendly face with a hot coffee for Helen.

“They have continued to support parents of children with cancer emotionally (despite Covid), offering virtual wellbeing sessions and talking therapy.”

More than 260 people have already donated money to the appeal, and praise for Harry has been flooding in.

One donor wrote: “Little boys and girls can move mountains. Well done Harry a tremendous thing to do.”

Another commented: “Harry I am so impressed with what you are doing for your cousin Rosie - well done.”

Rosie’s mum Helen says the words of encouragement have been a lifeline after such a difficult year and has thanked everyone who has taken the time to share messages of hope and kindness.

She said: “We really have been through hell but we wanted to end this year in a positive way and we have been completely overwhelmed by the support.

“We have read every single message and it has given us such a boost and really given us the strength we need to carry on.

“Candelighters has helped us so much and the charity has been hugely impacted by the pandemic so it’s nice to be able to give something back.

“We couldn’t think of a better charity to support and it will make such a difference. A little bit of support goes such a long way.

“Harry is such a remarkable boy and he and Rosie have such an incredible bond. He is just a superstar and we can’t thank him enough for doing this.”

To donate to the appeal, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-wickham6