A kind-hearted six-year-old Gilberdyke Primary School pupil has raised over £600 for his school after taking on a huge 500-mile challenge throughout the summer holidays.
Alex Lund managed to walk 500 miles during the six-week holidays, tallying up on average more than 12 miles every day to reach his target. The challenge, which was organised by The Conquerer, a virtual fitness challenge app, saw Alex walk the equivalent distance of the Scottish Highlands, with the fitness app keeping track of his progress and showing him the sights he would have been passing on his way. Alex and his family also visited Scotland in the final week of the holidays to complete the final 80 miles of his challenge in and around the highlands.
Melissa Shirley, headteacher at Gilberdyke Primary School said: “It is absolutely amazing what Alex has achieved and we are incredibly proud. Knowing Alex came up with the idea himself and was the driving force behind the fundraising is really special. “The pride it has given him is immeasurable and he has been bouncing around school grinning from ear to ear knowing what he has achieved will make a difference. The money raised will be spent to purchase planters to go around the school field.” She added: “We would also like to say a huge thank you to Alex’s parents and to everyone who has donated and supported him.”
Alex came up with the idea of raising money for his school after taking on another fundraising challenge, His Mum, Alison explained: “Before the summer holidays Alex took part in the Dove House Hospice Bubble Rush with some family members and they told him what the hospice does and how the money they had raised would help a lot of people. “It really inspired him and he said he wanted to do something else to help other people. “Gilberdyke Primary School has been raising money to develop their outdoor play area so Alex asked if he could do something to help his school. We had a look online for some ideas and we found the North Coast 500 virtual challenge and Alex said he wanted to do that!” Alex was supported on his walks by his parents, and although Alison says her legs were sore from the mammoth challenge, she says young Alex didn’t complain once. She said: “Alex has been an absolute trooper, he hasn’t complained once. Me and his Dad have both had sore legs but Alex has been so motivated to keep going. He is over the moon to have been able to help his school and we are so proud of him.” Donations to Alex’s fundraiser can still be made by visiting: https://gofund.me/faaf0496 Cash donations can also be made through a sponsor form for those who do not have access to the internet and donations can be made by calling Alison on 07850 764455.
Alex Lund, 6 with the help of his Mum Alison, has walked 500 miles throughout the school holidays to raise money for Gilberdyke Primary School. (09-09-75 SU)