A 7-year-old boy from Pudsey is being lauded as a hero as he engages in an incredible 36-kilometre (22.3 miles) trek in honour of his friend who celebrated Christmas in hospital, twice.
Lukas's young friend Finley was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and spent a significant amount of time at Leeds Children's hospital. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an allergic disorder that causes inflammation of the oesophagus.
The condition caused Finley to choke after eating. On three occasions it was so severe that Finley was rushed to hospital.
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And Lukas, moved by his friend's experience, has been cycling just under two miles every day. His incredible trek began on October 21, and will continue until November 1. Lukas has branded his bid the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ and he wants to raise money to help children who will spend Christmas in hospital.
Lukas has raised just over £600 but hopes to raise more, and forward all proceeds to ‘Finley’s Advent Calendar Appeal’ which wants to donate 1500 calendars to hospitals across Yorkshire including Leeds Children’s Hospital, Pinderfields, Bradford Royal, Huddersfield Royal, Calderdale, Barnardos.
Lukas's Mama Daniella said: "This has all been Lukas' own idea and planning. He is an inspiration and I am so proud of him". Lukas's Mummy Liv said: "Lukas has a big heart and we are incredibly proud of him. His determination has raised a huge amount of money and we hope the advent calendars bring a lot of joy this Christmas."
Finley’s Mum Clare said she hoped the fundraising would help people with children in hospital just as it had helped her and her family. She said: "One year we were given an advent calendar for Finley. It meant so much to us that someone had kindly donated this to us at a time when we felt very lost and alone. We would like to repay this and provide EVERY single child that is in hospital over the Christmas period with an advent calendar of their own.
"I am so pleased that Lukas asked to help our fundraising this year. He has worked so hard to practice riding his bike and his efforts will make a great difference to this year's appeal. Thank you and well done Lukas!"
Leeds Children’s Hospital Head of Nursing Celia McKenzie welcomed the fundraising, saying: "Finley’s Advent Calendar Appeal makes a huge difference for patients across the hospital. We’re always so grateful to Clare for running her appeal and this year we’re so impressed that Lukas has taken on this challenge for his friend. Every year we’re reminded that it was an act of kindness by one of our nurses that inspired Clare to make sure that everyone has an advent calendar in hospital. This makes us very proud!"
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