While most nine-year-olds are spending their summer holidays relaxing, Lostock's Henry Cragg is lacing up his trainers with a big smile and an even bigger goal: running a mile every single day. Driven by pure kindness, the sporty Bolton schoolboy has dedicated his school break to bringing comfort to poorly children, turning his love of running into a deeply heart-warming daily mission.
Inspired by a Former Pupil's Memory
Henry was moved to take on the challenge after learning that a former pupil at his school, The Gates Primary in Westhoughton, had been lovingly cared for by Derian House Children's Hospice before sadly passing away. Touched by the hospice's incredible work, the caring youngster wanted to honour that memory and support the charity, which wraps its arms around 400 seriously ill children and their families every year.
So far, Henry's unwavering determination has already raised £556. Whether pushing through rainy afternoons, scorching heat, or achy legs, the selfless nine-year-old keeps putting one foot in front of the other, proud in the knowledge that every single step brings hope and care to children who need it most.
Henry's Determination and Family Support
“I decided to run a mile every day because I love running and I wanted to raise money for Derian House,” said Henry, who lives with mum Claire, dad Chris, younger brother Robin, and his pet fish. “I know it can be hard to run every day, especially when my legs are achy, or it's very hot or raining, but I'm enjoying getting outside and seeing all the wildlife and plants. I feel proud that I'm helping poorly children and their families, and now I want to raise as much money as I can.”
“It's been lovely to get out and run with Henry every day and see how determined he is to complete the challenge,” said mum Claire. “Henry loves to run and has completed 26 junior park runs and seven 5K park runs - he's already faster than me! Henry also plays football for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, cricket for Lostock Cricket Club and has recently started athletics at Leigh Harriers - he's very sporty. Henry is very determined and never wants to give up. We've got three different routes that we can take, which keeps things interesting, and he's been having some sweets and chocolate to keep him going.”
“It's been really special seeing how proud he is to be raising money for Derian House. He knows that the money he raises can make a real difference to poorly children and their families, and that's what's keeping him motivated,” added Claire.
Community Fundraiser Praises Henry's Efforts
Ann-Marie Fishwick, community fundraiser at Derian House Children's Hospice, said: “Running a mile every day throughout the school holidays is a huge challenge, particularly when the weather has other ideas! It's fantastic to see Henry putting his love of running towards something that will make a real difference. We couldn't do what we do without supporters like Henry helping us to continue to care for seriously ill children and their families across the North West. With the new school term just around the corner, we'd also love to hear from more schools who would like to learn about Derian House and how they can support us.”
Derian House's Funding Needs and How to Donate
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment. Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6 million to run the hospice this year. The charity only receives around 30 per cent of government funding, meaning it relies on kind-hearted supporters to raise 70p in every £1. You can donate to Henry's challenge at: Henry runs a mile a day for 42 days for Derian House Children's Hospice Location: Bolton in Greater Manchester.
