Young runner uses Star Wars inspiration to help raise £380 for Farleigh Hospice
Tuesday 19th May
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Joseph Wiltshire, a 7-year-old boy from Chelmsford, has raised £380 for Farleigh Hospice by taking part in Star Wars-themed challenges, including a ‘May the Fourth Be with You’ 4-mile run and a ‘Revenge of the Sith’ 6-mile bike ride.
Joseph and his mother Rachel were due to take part in the challenges as part of the Hare & Tortoise running group, however, following lockdown these events were cancelled. Joseph wasn’t deterred and decided to get creative and, along with his mum, did a social distance 4-mile run and a 6-mile bike ride on Zwift, an indoor cycling programme.
Donations were collected through his JustGiving page, and within days Joseph had raised £380 for Farleigh, his local hospice.
Speaking about Joseph’s fundraising efforts, Rachel said: “We were meant to do these events with the Hare & Tortoise running group, but when they were cancelled Joseph was keen to still take on the challenges. We spoke to him about the possibility of being able to raise some money for charity in the process and he chose Farleigh Hospice as we live close to the Broomfield site and we often run past their beautiful gardens.
Whilst we have no family connection to Farleigh, we know the great work they do in the mid Essex community and it’s good to help them at this time.”
Alison Stevens, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice said “Joseph’s fundraising story in so inspiring and knowing our community is thinking of us during the pandemic gives all our doctors and nurses such hope. We would like to thank Joseph for his fantastic initiative, it’s great to see young people raising money for their local hospice. Every penny raised will help us to continue to care for people living with a life-limiting illness and enable us to work alongside the NHS through the COVID-19.”
To donate towards Joseph’s activities and read more, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joewiltshire