A north schoolboy described as a “wee whirlwind” walked almost 100 miles in a month to raise money for children less fortunate than him.
With his boundless energy and readiness to help others, seven-year-old Harris Veals decided to take on the challenge of walking about three miles every day in September to raise money for Cash For Kids.
The youngster, who lives in Fearn in Ross-shire, set a target of raising £100 but has now tallied his takings and is preparing to hand over about £800 to the worthy cause.
Harris has autism and ADHD, and became determined to raise money for the charity when he asked his mum about the work of a food bank and learned about the children in the area who rely on the good will of others to get by.
He spent his summer holidays brainstorming ways to help, before deciding to embark on a fundraising mission for Cash For Kids.
Harris’s mum, Lucy Veals, said she was extremely proud of her “ever-laughing and compassionate” son, calling him her “wee whirlwind”.
She said: “He always has a lot of energy but he’s been really motivated to complete his walks every day after school.
“I thought he might have enough of all the walking halfway through the month, but sometimes it was me who had to find the motivation to take him out on his long walks.
“He has done fantastically well at it and really been in his element. I’m just super proud of him.”
As well as being delighted with the grand total he managed to raise, Harris has been motivated by reading the messages of support people have posted on his online crowd-funding page.
He and his mum recently completed the series of treks with a stroll around Ness Islands. He also took in spots around Lairg, Halkirk and Tain as he clocked up mile upon mile.
Although he describes his tiring walks as “sweaty”, Harris says he has thoroughly enjoyed completing his fundraising challenge – so much so that he is already talking about taking on another soon.
