A determined eight-year-old boy from Leicestershire has taken a huge step for charity, completing a 31-mile walking challenge throughout October to support a local children's hospice.
A Month of Mile-a-Day Determination
Evan Blowfield, from Ratby, set himself the ambitious goal of walking one mile every day during October, facing all weather conditions to ensure he stuck to his target. The young fundraiser even braved Storm Amy to complete his daily mile, demonstrating incredible commitment to his cause.
Evan decided to support Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People after seeing a news piece about the charity on television. Rainbows is the East Midlands' only hospice dedicated to babies, children and young people.
Doubling the Fundraising Target
What began as a personal challenge resulted in an incredible fundraising achievement, with Evan raising an impressive £725 – more than double his original target. The funds will help provide vital care and support to more than 750 babies, children and young people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses at Rainbows, whether in the hospice, hospital or at home.
Evan, who enjoyed his daily walks with parents Katherine and Wayne, shared his motivation: "I really wanted to help poorly children who use Rainbows and I want everything to be as fair for everyone as possible. I am so happy and proud of what I have done, and I would love to do something again."
Community Support for Local Charity
His mother Katherine expressed the family's pride in his achievement: "He did so well and was really determined for the whole month. We never expected that he would double his fundraising target. We are really proud of him."
She added: "Evan knew that he wanted to do something meaningful, but it also needed to be manageable for him. He has been saying for ages that he wanted to do something for charity and he always wants to help other children. He is a very kind and wonderful boy."
Kerry Laurie, Rainbows community fundraiser, acknowledged Evan's significant contribution: "What Evan has done is amazing and such an act of kindness to help other children. We rely on our supporters, like Evan, so much as they provide over 85 percent of the funding it takes to ensure Rainbows is there for the families who need us."
