‘Inspirational’ Sheffield boy, aged nine, raises £11,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

A nine-year-old boy who captured the hearts of the city by completing a fundraising triathalon in aid of his cousin has raised £11,000 for a children’s hospice.
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Shay O’Grady first decided that he wanted to raise the funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to help his cousin, Evie-Mae O’Grady Askwith, also nine, who has an extremely rare chromosome deletion disorder.

The condition means means that Evie-Mae is unable to walk or talk and needs round the clock care. She has been visiting Bluebell Wood for a number of years for respite care and other events and activities.

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Shay said: “It was very tiring but it was worth it. I just wanted to help Evie-Mae and all the other children who go to Bluebell Wood.

Shay O'Grady with his cousin Evie-Mae O’Grady Askwith, both aged nineShay O'Grady with his cousin Evie-Mae O’Grady Askwith, both aged nine
Shay O'Grady with his cousin Evie-Mae O’Grady Askwith, both aged nine

“It’s such an amazing place and they do so much to help the children. Thanks to everyone for helping to keep me going.”

Shay, who is a huge Owls supporter, completed his epic triathlon when Sheffield Wednesday met Barnsley Town earlier this month, with well-wishers cheering him on every step of the way.

After completing a 6,000 metre swim over a few months, the St Thomas More Primary School pupil also walked from Hillsborough to Barnsley’s Oakwell stadium and then cycled back on a tandem with his cousin.

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Shay’s dad Jason O’Grady said: “We’re so proud of Shay for all he’s done and we’d like to thank everyone who’s supported him and helped him raise such a phenomenal amount; it wouldn’t have been possible without you.

“Evie-Mae means the world to him and they’ve been close all their lives, so to be able to do this for her has made him so happy.”

This is not the first time that Shay has gone above and beyond for Bluebell Wood. Last year he raised almost £5,000 with a sponsored walk from the hospice to Hillsborough ahead of the Steel City derby. Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri was so impressed with his efforts that he matched the amount he’d raised, taking it to a grand total of £10,000.

Now, Shay has got his sights firmly set on his next big challenge which he plans to do next year, saying it will be ‘bigger and better’.

Sam Wood, Head of Fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Shay. He really is an inspiration.”