An 8-year-old boy from Harrogate has raised more than £3,400 to support a school friend who was diagnosed with Leukemia.
Throughout February, Rocco Leek vowed to run 1 mile every day to fundraise for Candlelighters - a charity that supports children with cancer and their families.
Rocco decided to take on the challenge to support Pannal Primary classmate Eva, who received her Leukemia diagnosis at the age of just 9.
He’s been chipping away at his 28-mile goal every day alongside his mum, dad and brother Freddie.
Rocco’s mum, Carrie, said:
“Rocco absolutely hates when anyone is poorly or sad and was really upset with the news that Eva would have to spend lots of time in hospital.
“He decided he wanted to run a marathon to raise some money to help her feel better, so we decided to split it over the month of February, so he would run 28 miles - 1 mile every day.”
His initial aim was to raise enough money to buy Barbie dolls for Eva to play with whilst she’s in hospital.
But he’s now raised more than six times his initial target of £500.
Rocco completed the final leg of his challenge today (Friday) at Pannal Sports Community Ground, greeted by his friends, family and supporters.
Carrie said:
“We’re so proud of his dedication to the challenge - he’s done every single day without fail and absolutely zero complaints even in the coldest and wettest of conditions and even when full of cold at the beginning of February!
“Rocco’s older brother Freddie has also been a great support and running partner throughout.”
Would you like to contribute towards Rocco’s campaign? Find his JustGiving page here.
Harrogate Town sign Burnley youngster on loan
Harrogate drivers urged to submit footage of dangerous driving
Popular Dog Day returns to Himalayan Garden near Ripon
New Reformer Pilates studio to open in Harrogate
Work begins on Harrogate and York RSPCA's £2m animal home
Free bike repair event returns to Valley Gardens this weekend
Harrogate trains disrupted following death on railway
Businesses urged to sign up for Harrogate's Restaurant Week
Ripon MP warns over rise in unemployment-related benefits
New children's play area opens at Otley Garden Centre
Harrogate Town sign Middlesbrough midfielder on season-long loan
Harrogate adult learners prove it's never too late to achieve GCSE success
Ashville pupils celebrate GCSE success as new Sixth Form awaits
Police warning after counterfeit cash scam in Knaresborough
Outstanding GCSE results at one of Yorkshire's only all-girls schools
Volunteers transform children's play area at Harrogate hospital
Ripon market days see 31% increase in footfall
Harrogate pupils achieve best top-grade GCSE results in four years
Harrogate High head 'enormously proud' of school's GCSE results
Three new independent businesses join Halls of Ripon
