by Rebecca Hannant
A Hornsea boy is walking, running, cycling and skating a mile every day through the summer holidays to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer.
Six-year-old Isaac Edkins, a pupil at Hornsea Primary School, was inspired to take on the challenge after his grandfather was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Although he initially struggled to understand, his mother Holly helped him learn more about the illness — and Isaac decided he wanted to raise money for a charity that supports families going through similar experiences.
Holly Edkins said: “We lost my dad in April this year to bowel cancer, and it was very difficult trying to explain things to Isaac about what happened to Grandad. Seeing him get unwell at Christmas and slowly go downhill. He asked so many questions but slowly began to understand. He wanted to know how we can help people get better, so we explained that some things are for doctors and nurses but that there are charities to help those living with cancer.
“We looked at different fundraising events and found this the most appropriate for him. He jumped at the chance to help raise money for children that are going through what his grandad did.”
Isaac has been completing his daily miles in various ways – walking, running, cycling, hiking and skating – at different locations including Dalby Forest, Hall Garth Park in Hornsea, and even the Blue Light Weekend Colour Run in Withernsea.
Holly added: “We’re so proud of him wanting to get out and go each morning to complete his mile, and when each donation comes in.”
Young Lives vs Cancer helps families by covering travel expenses, providing free accommodation near hospitals, and offering specialist social workers.
Just £15 could go towards travel grants, £26 could pay for an hour of support from a social worker, and £70 could cover a night in one of the charity’s Homes from Home.
So far, Isaac has raised more than £400 – smashing his initial target of £250.