A nine-year-old boy from North Derbyshire has already raised hundreds of pounds for Ashgate Hospice after setting himself the challenge of swimming 10,000 metres in just two weeks.
Harley Swann, from the Ashgate area of Chesterfield, decided to take on the fundraising challenge to give something back to the hospice that has supported his family through difficult times.
Harley originally hoped to raise £100, but support from family, friends and the wider community quickly saw him pass that target. A JustGiving page was then set up with a £500 target, which was exceeded within 24 hours. Donations have continued to pour in, with Harley now aiming to raise £2,000.
The challenge has seen Harley swimming lengths before school, alongside his mum Amy and his nanny.
Harley told North Derbyshire Radio: “I’ve never really liked swimming lengths, so I thought it would be a challenge to me. I’m enjoying doing it with my mum and nanny, and knowing that people are supporting me.”
He joked that the toughest part of the challenge is not the swimming itself.
“The hardest part is waking up mum and dad so we can get there on time for school,” he said.
Harley’s determination has been shaped by personal experiences of loss at a young age. His family has been supported by Ashgate Hospice while his auntie has received care there, and Harley’s grandad also died in a hospice last year.
He said: “Ashgate Hospice is special to me – they looked after my auntie when she was really poorly. They have family days to help all the children who are going through losing their family members.
“I just want to raise money so they can keep helping families like they helped ours.”
His mum, Amy Parsons, said the hospice had made a huge difference to the whole family.
“Ashgate Hospice will always hold a special place in our hearts,” she said. “They cared for Harley’s aunty with such compassion, dignity and respect. And they supported us through one of the hardest times we faced.
“They gave us somewhere we felt supported, listened to and cared for, when everything felt so overwhelming.”
Amy said Ashgate Hospice relies heavily on fundraising and donations from the local community to continue providing its services.
Harley’s fundraising challenge is continuing, with the youngster determined to complete the full 10,000 metres while raising as much money as possible for the hospice.
Hear a clip of nine-year-old Harley talking to North Derbyshire Radio about his challenge below:
Here is the Just Giving Page
https://www.justgiving.com/page/harley-swann-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
