Five-year-old Fletcher Simpson has run the full 26.2 miles of a marathon and raised in excess of £1,750 to help provide new play equipment at his school — and he finished the fund-raising challenge in spite of a broken arm.
Fletcher is in the year one Kingfishers class at Langwathby School and decided he wanted to do his bit after hearing that equipment at two of the play areas in the school grounds had been condemned and an appeal launched to raise the £5,000 needed to replace items.
Fletcher, who lives at Melmerby with his parents, Rachel and Dave Simpson, and two-year-old brother Jaxon Dougie, decided he wanted to give the appeal an extra boost, so his mum set up Fletcher’s own JustGiving page, which is still receiving donations.
“There were 26 days left of the school holidays so he decided to run a marathon. He ran 26.2 miles over the 26 days,” said his mum Rachel.
Fletcher ran all around Melmerby and sometimes to the neighbouring village of Gamblesby.
His mum ran with him and at times he was also joined by his cousins and aunt. “It was a real family affair,” added Rachel.
Fletcher broke his arm after bouncing off a trampoline but that failed to dampen his enthusiasm.
“He smashed his marathon, he smashed his fundraising target, and he’s smashed his arm. Thank you to everyone who donated. We really do appreciate it!” reported his mum on Fletcher’s JustGiving page.”
She said: “He broke his arm with only a couple of miles to go so it didn’t affect things too much.”
The Friends of Langwathby School began the fund-raising appeal in July and say that Fletcher’s amazing effort and other donations on the group’s own JustGiving page mean they are over halfway towards their target.
The page says: “Langwathby C of E School is much loved by the Eden Valley communities it serves and the 140 children who attend. Whilst the school provides a vibrant caring environment in which to grow and learn, the outdoor areas are in need of some TLC!
“Both the Early Years and Key Stage 2 playgrounds have had their main play equipment condemned in recent years.
“Mrs Hay, the headteacher, her governing body and the wider school community would dearly love to install new equipment for both the current children and future students to enjoy.
“The school has some generous supporters and parent helpers but the investment needed is substantial.
“As COVID has squashed lots of our usual fundraising methods, we would love it if you would consider supporting the playground redevelopment project with a donation.”
