Coronavirus lockdown - Leeds boy swaps birthday party for walking challenge to raise money for NHS

Inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s 100 laps for 100 years, Hector Dee is walking one mile a day for six days to mark his sixth birthday.

Instead of his party, Hector from Wetherby has asked for donations to the NHS to help with their COVID-19 response.

In a video blog recorded for UK walking charity, Living Streets, Hector said he wanted to raise money for “the amazing doctors and nurses doing a really good job helping people stay alive.”

Hector is currently two walks into his challenge and has been enjoying the “fresh air and exercise” that walking brings, whilst spotting insects and butterflies, taking photographs and occasionally racing with his little brother, Elijah.

To prepare for his trips, Hector has been “getting into the right clothing, wearing comfy shoes and eating his cereal so that he has lots of energy.”

Hector’s parents weren’t part of his decision but are backing him all the way.

Georgie & David Dee said: “We couldn’t be more proud of Hector – he came up with this fully formed idea and with the help of friends, family and strangers who saw posts on social media and has now raised over £2,600 to support our amazing NHS.”

Living Streets is the charity behind the UK’s biggest walk to school campaign.

To celebrate Hector’s achievements and help him keep walking post-lockdown, the charity will donate free Walk to School Week packs so that Hector and his classmates can take part in the national celebration of walking in October.

Jenni Wiggle, interim chief executive of Living Streets, said: “It’s so incredibly important to keep active now, both for our own health and to protect the NHS in the future. Not only is Hector doing that, but he’s raising money for the NHS at the same time.

“With National Walking Month around the corner, I can’t think of a better inspiration for people to take to their feet than Hector.”

When Hector set out on his challenge, he had hoped to raise £36. To date, he has raised more than £2,000.

To sponsor Hector and help raise money for the NHS, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Hectorturns6*********************

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