Hero Harry's sponsored run around Harrogate smashes fundraising target

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Seven-year-old Harry Wickham decided to undertake the challenge for the Candelighters charity, which supports families of children with cancer, after his cousin Rosie was diagnosed with a spinal tumour last year.

Rosie, who is just two years old, is currently undergoing an intense course of chemotherapy after two gruelling surgeries and has been supported by Candlelighters throughout the process.

Harry’s mum Sarah said the family has been blown away by the support and inspired by Harry’s determination.

She told the Harrogate Advertiser: “He did amazingly and we are so incredibly proud of him.

“It was not easy but he really enjoyed it and kept going. Some days it was very windy or wet or cold - sometimes it was even snowing - but he didn’t complain, he just got on with it. He had lots of support from family and friends who ran with him and cheered him on along the way.

“We are totally overwhelmed and he has blown the target completely out of the water. Our neighbours have been out in full force, clapping him whenever he runs past and we are just so grateful for their support.”

Despite the difficult weather conditions, Harry was determined to complete the challenge, even running on Christmas Day.

He 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.

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Harry said: “I really enjoyed the challenge but it was hard some days like when it rained. I loved running with my friends Edward, Jake, Oliver, Drew and Logan on different days, it was really fun.

“My brother George was my biggest fan, he supported me every day.

“I’m so happy to have raised so much money for Candlelighters. I want to do another challenge in a few years time, maybe 100km.”

Rosie’s mum Helen said the difference the money will make to the Candelighters charity - who can fund all Child Talking Therapies for a month for £1,000 - is incredible.

She has thanked Harry for his efforts and the community for coming together for such a good cause.

She said: “We just cannot believe how much money has been raised and how big this has become.

“The support has been fantastic and people have even recognised him on the street.

“We have had some very difficult times with Rosie and her treatments, there have been weeks where she has been very sick, but this has been a great distraction for all of us. Rosie doesn’t fully understand what is going on but every time she sees Harry on TV or in pictures she claps and shouts ‘go Harry’.

“We just can’t thank Harry, the rest of our family and everyone who has donated enough for all their help.”

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To support the charity, visit: www.candlelighters.org.uk/donate or search for ‘Candlelighters’ on Facebook.