Child in care raises over £1,000 for children’s hospice
A young person in our care has raised over £1,000 for a children's hospice by cycling over 200km.
A child in care with our Gloucestershire fostering team has raised over £1,000 for charity by cycling over 200km to help support terminally ill children.
Stephen*, a nine-year-old child in our care has raised money for Helen and Douglas House Charity, who provide hospice care for babies and children in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.
Stephen raised this money by offering to complete a sponsored ‘Cycleathon’, where he would cycle a minimum of 200km during the school holidays.
Initially, due to the weather conditions, Stephen did his first bike ride on the day his school broke up via a fantastic send-off from his social worker and then proceeded to complete another 45km ride on day two. Following this, Stephen went out every day to ensure he completed his target.
Several of the bike rides Stephen completed were in cold weather and tricky conditions, however, Stephen was determined to keep going and wanted to complete the Cycleathon.
Stephen cycled 217km in total by the end of his first week and raised an outstanding £1,131, which he personally presented to Helen and Douglas House Charity on April 12th, 2021.
Following his tremendous efforts, Stephen was presented with a certificate, and such is his enthusiasm that he is now planning a far longer sponsored bike ride in the future.
Stephen’s foster parents, Theresa and Clive, commented: “As Stephen’s foster parents, we are filled with absolute pride and admiration for his achievements. We are wondering if he is the future Bradley Wiggins in the making!”
Angela Turland, Registered Manager at Fosterplus Stonehouse, commented; “The team here at Fosterplus Stonehouse are overjoyed and proud that Stephen has taken on this challenge in order to raise money for the most deserving and amazing charity. Stephen is a kind, caring and special young lad and we are in awe of his drive and dedication.”
*Steven’s real name has been changed to keep him anonymous.
