The Hartlepool schoolboys going the extra mile with lockdown exercise for Alice House Hospice

Friends Rio Gooding, 13, and Jack Oliver, 11, are on course to raise £500 after running between 6km and 7km every day together for a full week.

They hit the streets around Clavering, Hart and Bishop Cuthbert in wind, rain and shine and covered a total of 80km between them over the seven days.

Rio’s mum Cheryl Gooding explained: “It was both their ideas. They started going out and doing a bit of exercise and we mentioned they could do it for a good cause.

"It motivated them that little bit more.”

Rio, who goes to St Hild’s School, and Jack, who attends Clavering Primary School, decided to give the money they raised to the hospice as a parent of one of Rio’s friends died at the hospice and friends of Cheryl work there.

They raised the fantastic amount in sponsorship just from friends and immediate family.

Cheryl added: “I think they’ve done brilliantly, especially for their age. On the first day it was absolutely pouring down.

"They have been out in minus temperatures and haven’t given up.

"Their legs were aching at the end but I think they did really well and am over the moon with how much they raised.”

The money they raised will go directly to helping to care for some of the hundreds of Hartlepool and East Durham people with serious illnesses looked after by the hospice in Wells Avenue.

Funds have been particularly hit over the last year due to the pandemic.

Alice House Hospice’s fundraiser Greg Hildreth said: “Huge thanks and congratulations go to Rio and Jack on their fantastic fundraising success from everyone here at Alice House.

"What a great way to show their support and keep fit too; we hope they both enjoyed their daily runs.

"All of the money raised will make a real difference to Hospice patients and their families.”

Alice House’s first organised fundraiser of 2021 will be a Virtual Valentine’s Balloon Race on February 14 where one lucky winner will get a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

Entry is £5 and full details can be found at www.alicehouse.co.uk

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