Noah’s magical running mission raises more than £50,000 for Bluebell Wood

ExCo

Noah, aged seven from Maltby in Rotherham, set out to raise £1,000 by running a mile a day during November, but when his efforts went viral on social media, the fundraising target was quickly smashed.

More publicity followed, including an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, and he was cheered on each day by a growing army of supporters including his neighbours and members of the local Maltby community.

Not even Storm Claudia could knock Noah out of his stride and his amazing total now stands at £50,729.37.

The youngster visited Bluebell Wood in North Anston in Sheffield to present the cheque, meet staff and children and families who are supported by the hospice and also deliver some Christmas gifts.

Noah embarked on his fundraising challenge after hearing his parents talk about their tradition of fundraising at Christmas and Noah wanted to know how he could help poorly children. When he had decided what he was going to do, they set up a JustGiving page, which Noah checked each morning to see how his total was growing.

Noah said: “It started as a little idea to run a mile a day, and it turned into something amazing.”

Hannah Goulding, regional fundraiser from Bluebell Wood said: “We are incredibly grateful to the family for the outstanding support they have given to Bluebell Wood. It has not only been Noah’s remarkable commitment in completing his fantastic runs, but also the dedication of his mum Ashleigh, their wider family and the local community, who have all come together so positively to support this campaign.

“This has been a truly community-led effort and demonstrates the power of local people coming together to make something truly special happen. What began locally captured the imagination of the wider region and went on to attract national support.

“Noah has been the catalyst for this amazing achievement, and without people like him and those who support him, Bluebell Wood simply could not do what we do.”

The presentation of the cheque was Noah’s second visit to Bluebell Wood this month, having previously joined heroes from his favourite football team, Rotherham United, who were making their annual Christmas visit to the hospice to deliver presents to the children.

Bluebell Wood opened in 2008 and cares for babies, children and young people from across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and parts of North Lincolnshire, whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at the hospice. All services are completely free to families who are referred to Bluebell Wood.

To find out more about Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, please visit www.bluebellwood.org