The four year old cycling, scooting, running or walking 26 miles in memory of his playgroup pal.

Four year old Alex Foxall is cycling, scooting, running or walking 26 miles in memory of his playgroup pal. Catherine Scott reports.
Alex Foxall who is doing a 25 miles sponsored challenge in memory of his playgroup palAlex Foxall who is doing a 25 miles sponsored challenge in memory of his playgroup pal
Alex Foxall who is doing a 25 miles sponsored challenge in memory of his playgroup pal

Little Alex Foxall is getting active to raise money for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, in memory of his friend Axl.

Four-year-old Alex, of Wibsey, Bradford, told his mum Louise he wanted to raise money to buy toys for children in hospital. Because Alex used to go to the same playgroup has Axl Walker, who sadly passed away two years ago, Louise chose Axl’s Toy Fund to raise money for.

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The goal is for Alex to walk, run, cycle or scoot 25 miles throughout August. Louise, a medical secretary at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Alex told me he wanted to raise money for children who need toys, so I asked him if he wanted to do a challenge. I explained if children in hospital had toys, it would make them feel better. Playing with distraction toys and games really helped Axl while he was undergoing his treatment. It’s also really important to us that we support Axl’s Toy Fund, as it’s a local cause and Alex has that personal connection with Axl.

“We decided to walk, run, cycle or scoot just in case he got bored of doing just one thing! He’s doing brilliantly. We did two miles just this morning, so we may have to extend our target! We’re making it fun and entertaining for him and he’s really enjoying himself.”

Louise added that they were also planning to join Claire Walker and Axl’s big brother, Lucas, for some of the walking.

Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Louise must be so proud of Alex for taking on this big challenge throughout August. He’s made a terrific start and so we hope lots of people will sponsor him so that he’s able to present a nice big cheque to our children’s ward.

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“Thank you Alex and Louise for thinking of our young patients and for raising the money in memory of Axl, who we still hold dear to our hearts.”

Axl Walker suffered from a rare blood disorder called congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) and he underwent two bone marrow transplants during his brave fight. He spent a great deal of time at Bradford Royal Infirmary and sadly lost his fight a few days before his third birthday, in 2018. Since then, Bradford Hospitals’ Charity has raised money in his memory each Christmas to fund toys and specialist play equipment for young patients across Bradford Teaching Hospitals.

To sponsor Alex visit www.justgiving.com/Alexruns25milesinAugust.

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