Maidenhead schoolboy’s marathon challenge

Over the course of this week, 10 year old Elliott Wilkinson has challenged himself to run a whole marathon in order to raise vital funds for our children’s hospice service which supports him and his sister Pippa, who is 6 years old. He told us why he is doing it:

“My sister is 6 and has a life-limiting condition. One of the organisations that help care for her is Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. I go to the siblings club there too, where I meet other children whose brother or sister has a life-limiting condition. I really enjoy activities they do and my sister loves going to the hospice for respite and day care. They, like other hospices throughout the country are still working hard during lockdown to provide important services and support for the children they care for.

“I have been watching Colonel Tom and how he raised so much for the NHS, and he has inspired me to do something to help raise money for Alexander Devine, so I’m going to try and run a marathon in 1 week. I worked out that’s at least 3.74 miles day!”

Elliot had set himself a target of £100 but has smashed this and raised nearly £3,000! Enough to fund over 78 community respite visits for Alexander Devine families.

Catherine Northup, an Alexander’s play specialist at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, congratulated Elliot on his inspiring endeavour:

“We are so impressed and incredibly grateful that Elliot has decided to take on this challenge. What an absolute champion he is, as well as being so thoughtful and kind. It is wonderful to see so many people supporting him in his efforts and he has already raised enough money to help fund nearly 40 specialist play session!

We have been so touched by how people throughout our community are finding ways to support us during this difficult time. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone that is helping us to continue to be there for the children and families that we support”

If you would like to support Elliot, please donate via his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elliot-wilkinson