Eight-year-old boy walks 20 miles in less than eight hours for Countess of Chester Hospital Children's Ward

An 8-year-old boy raised more than £1,600 for the Countess of Chester Hospital's Children's Ward by walking an incredible 20 miles in under eight hours to give back to the place he received care from.

Charlie Perry-Hargreaves, from Ewloe, originally set out to raise £500 in aid of The Countess Charity, but more than tripled his fundraising goal thanks to an outpouring of community support. 

Inspired by the time he has spent on the Children's Ward as an asthma patient, Charlie wanted to ensure other youngsters staying in hospital had access to more toys and games during their time there, so set himself the huge fundraising mission of walking 20 miles along the North Wales coastal path. 

Already a keen walker, Charlie teamed up with his mum Vicky for the challenge last month and impressively completed the challenging route in just under eight hours. 

Vicky said:

"Charlie did incredibly well – just under eight hours from start to finish. He didn't complain at any point, just cracked on with it.  

"We were thrilled with the amazing response to his fundraising appeal and can't believe he smashed his target by so much! 

"We are so proud of him and he's already asking what he can do to raise money next year." 

And the staff on the children's ward have been equally as impressed by Charlie's efforts.  

Nicky Lightfoot, Deputy Manager of the Children's Ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said:

"We are amazed by what Charlie has achieved.  

"His determination and kindness will make a real difference to the children in our care, and his incredible donation will go a long way to bringing hours of joy to the children on our ward.  

“Last year we launched a new patient and family experience plan and Charlie’s donations will undoubtedly contribute to this by making things a little easier for our future young patients during their stay with us." 

To show your support to the Countess Charity and to read more stories like Charlie’s, follow The Countess Charity on Facebook.