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Harrogate boy raises £3,400 to support classmate with Leukemia

Friday, 28 February 2025 10:04

Rocco Leek completed the final leg of his 28-mile fundraising campaign for Eva (pictured) today.

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.

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