7-year-old boy from Manchester walks 40 miles to raise £10k for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

His cousin, Zak, is currently receiving treatment at the hospital for an aggressive form of cancer.

Harvey’s mission is to walk 40 miles over two days from Alder Hey to Old Trafford Football Stadium, where he previously raised £8,500 for his school playground by walking over 16 miles.

Harvey’s mother, Naiomi, says that he came up with the fundraising idea himself in response to Zak’s diagnosis.

Speaking to I Love Manchester, Naiomi said: “I’m so proud of Harvey and what he is doing for Zak and Alder Hey.

“He told me he wanted to do a big walk to help his cousin and other sick children at Alder Hey, which made me burst with pride.

“He is so kindhearted and always wants to put others first.

“I never imagined we would be here again, one year on from his first fundraising walk about to undertake a 40-mile walk.

“He’s so excited for the challenge, he’s checking the amount raised on his JustGiving page most days and reads through the messages of support and encouragement people have sent, the kind words really help Harvey on his long walks – it gives him that extra boost to carry on!”

Harvey’s headteacher, teachers, friends, and family members will walk alongside him, and former Manchester United player Sammy McIlroy is also supporting the young boy’s initiative.

Around 200 people are expected to be at the finish line at Old Trafford Stadium on April 2nd.

Naiomi is extremely proud of her son, who she says ‘always wants to put others first.’

She says that the messages of support and encouragement on Harvey’s JustGiving page give him the extra boost he needs to continue his long walks.

Harvey’s headteacher, Dan Harving, says that Harvey is a “model pupil”.

He said: “Harvey is a model pupil with exemplary behaviour, but it’s his thoughtfulness and kindness towards others that sets him apart.

“The £8500 which Harvey raised last year towards our school playground was phenomenal and we are so grateful for it.

“Given how impressively Harvey coped with his challenge last year, I have absolutely no doubt that he will not only rise to this challenge, but will absolutely smash it.”

Harvey’s initiative is an inspiring story of a young boy’s determination to help others – from everyone at I Love Manchester, good luck!

If you would like to support Harvey’s fundraising efforts, you can visit his JustGiving page by clicking here.