Five-year-old Telford boy walks 31 miles to help poorly children

Five-year-old Lightmoor Village resident Arlo is showing that you are never too young to make a difference as he takes on a 31-mile walking challenge to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Arlo is taking part in the charity’s Kids Summer Challenge, which encourages children to complete 31 miles during August while raising funds to support poorly children receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

With just over four miles to go, Arlo has already walked an impressive 26.95 miles.

Many of those miles have been completed close to home, with Arlo making use of the parks, green spaces and walking routes around Lightmoor Village, managed by Bournville Village Trust (BVT).

His challenge has also taken him further afield, with walks in Ironbridge and Bridgnorth, as well as a visit to Birmingham Children’s Hospital to see his cousin, who is currently receiving treatment there.

During the visit, Arlo also walked to the museum to see the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition.

For Arlo and his parents Stacey and Daniel, the challenge is about more than completing 31 miles. They hope it will help teach him about kindness and the importance of helping others.

Stacey said: “I want Arlo to grow to be kind. It can be easy to concentrate on the negative, but most people want the best for others and will support however they can.

“We’ve loved doing this challenge and Arlo knows it will help children like his cousin, who is currently receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

Birmingham Children’s Hospital treats around 100,000 sick children every year, providing specialist treatment and support to children and their families.

Fleur Hemming, Bournville Village Trust Estates & Stewardship Manager, said Arlo's achievement was particularly impressive given his age.

“When I heard about Arlo’s challenge, I was amazed, especially as he’s only five years old,” she said.

“I’m delighted that Arlo and his family have been able to make the most of the parks and open spaces in Lightmoor Village while completing the challenge. It’s fantastic to see our green spaces being enjoyed by local families while Arlo is doing something so positive to help other children.”

With just over four miles remaining, Arlo is now approaching the finish of his challenge, with donations helping support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and the children who rely on its services.

To support Arlo’s fundraising, visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/stacey1784552281893?