A fearless seven-year-old endured the cold, ice and wind in a 31-day run to raise money for his local children’s hospice, Derian House.
The wintery conditions did not deter brave Chorley boy, Finn Steele, who clocked up more than 30 miles, raising more than £1,700 for the charity in the process.
The youngster has been cheered on by family and friends, and has been shown support from Chorley boxer Jack Catterall, Radio DJ Shaun Keaveny and BBC Saturday Kitchen presenter Olly Smith.
Finn caught the running bug last year when he joined mum Becca and dad Jode on a couple of jogs to up his fitness for his favourite hobbies – swimming, judo, and rugby with the Chorley Panthers.
Inspired, the youngster took on his ‘run every day’ challenge that has since seen him run up and down Rivington Pike, race through Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston, and speed around the Chorley Panthers pitches along with his fellow team mates.
With Finn’s total of £1,700, Derian House could provide three months of activities, days out, and ice creams for poorly children and their siblings.
Finn, a Year 3 pupil at Sacred Heart Primary School, said: “I learned about Derian House at a Chorley Panthers fun day last summer. I know how much Derian House do to look after poorly children and their families and I want to help them.
“My favourite run out of all of them was with my team mates – we did two laps of the huge Panther’s pitches. The furthest I have run is all the way up to Rivington Pike and back. I was very tired!
“On day 22 we ran to Frederick’s Ice Cream in Chorley. I’ve been eating a lot of vegetables to keep me going so it was nice to have a treat. I had chocolate ice cream in a really fancy cone with sprinkles on it – and I had a hot chocolate!
“I just want to do something to help the children at Derian House – I’m shocked and amazed at how much we raised. I can’t wait to do more! But in February, I think I’ll be doing a lot of resting and sleeping.”
Finn’s dad Jode said: “We’re so very proud of Finn. When we asked who he would like to run for, he said ‘Derian House of course!’ He committed to his challenge and ran through it with a huge smile on his face – even in the most horrendous conditions.”
Ann Marie Fishwick, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We have really seen Finn ‘Steele’ the show! His determination is incredible and we are really grateful that he has chosen to raise money for our children and young people here at Derian.
“It will cost £6million for Derian House to run services in 2023, so we rely heavily on our amazing supporters – like Finn – who go the extra mile.”
Donate to Finn’s run every day in January: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FinnSteeleREDJanuary
Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the North West. The hospice cares for the whole family and offers emotional and practical support to parents, siblings, and grandparents who need it. Find out more: www.derianhouse.co.uk
