A determined seven-year-old boy is walking from Liverpool to Old Trafford next month, raising money for the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.
Over a period of two days (1st and 2nd April), Harvey Goodman, originally from West Didsbury (now Stockton Heath), will walk the entire 40 miles to the famous football grounds. Last year he completed a 16-mile walk from Stockton Heath Primary School to Old Trafford raising funds to improve his school playground.
Harvey was inspired to walk between the Alder Hey Children's Hospital and Old Trafford to raise funding for the hospital providing support to his seven-year-old cousin, Zak, who is being treated there for an aggressive form of bone cancer.
After seeing the incredible care the Children's Hospital is giving to Zak through his gruelling chemo and radiotherapy, Harvey decided to show support by undertaking this huge walking challenge to raise money for their amazing work.
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Harvey's mum Naiomi said: "We are so unbelievably proud of Harvey, he inspires us every day with his determination. He has taken it in his stride to adapt his weekends walking and training for this huge 40-mile walk."
Supportive of his cause, Harvey will be joined by his Head Teacher, school teachers, and friends and family at Stockton Heath Primary School at different points along the way.
Dan Harding, Headteacher at Stockton Heath Primary School, said: "Harvey is a truly exceptional child – one of the most selfless, respectful and caring pupils I have ever had the pleasure of working with in school.
"For someone so young, he has an incredible amount of determination and resilience and is prepared to really push himself mentally and physically to do good for others."
Harvey will also be joined once again by Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy, who he has made a close friendship with and supported him during his last fundraising event.
Harvey is starting the challenge at Alder Hey Children's Hospital on Saturday 1st April to Stockton Heath Primary School, Warrington and completing the journey on Sunday 2nd April to the Rope and Anchor, Altrincham - the Vine, Sale - and finally a big finish line at Hotel Football, Old Trafford.
The Manchester United Foundation, Hotel Football, and Alder Hey Children's Hospital are keen on supporting Harvey to continue to mash his target - he hoped to raise 10,000 which he has already surpassed leading up to the big walk.
Cath Harding, Head of Community Fundraising at Alder Hey Children's Charity: "We're delighted that Harvey has chosen to undertake such a fantastic challenge for Alder Hey to help support the 330,000 children treated at the hospital every year.
"His amazing fundraising will make a real difference to patients and their families by helping to provide advanced medical equipment, fund ground-breaking research and innovation, and support services for children and their families. Every step of Harvey's epic walk, and every penny donated, will help to sprinkle a bit of magic at Alder Hey and we look forward to joining him on his challenge."
Any money raised will go to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for the incredible work that they do and towards supporting the family through this difficult time.
Dan Harding added: "Last year, Harvey walked 14 miles to raise money for our school’s outdoor area development project. This year, he is doubling the distance he will walk and is raising money for an incredibly valuable cause: Alder Hey Children’s Charity – he has double the incentive in that Alder Hey are providing intensive cancer treatment for his cousin and that the hospital also happens to be one of our school’s chosen partner charities.
"Harvey will be supported on his walk by myself, several other members of staff and a good number of friends and parents from school. Harvey is not daunted at all by the prospect of walking such a long distance over 2 consecutive days and will be the one who inspires the rest of us to keep going! Harvey is a very special boy indeed!"
To donate to Harvey's 40 mile walk from Alder Hey to Old Trafford, click the link here.
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