Grieving Houghton boy among the runners raising cash for charity in the Mini Great North Run
Alfie's raised over £1,500 so far - he'll be running for St Oswald's Hospice in Gosforth
Last updated 11th Oct 2017
Thousands of young runners are getting ready to raise cash for charity, as they kick off a HUGE weekend of sport in the North East
It's the world's biggest half marathon tomorrow - right now, the first wave of Mini runners are setting off on their 1.5k route.
Eight-year-old Alfie Matfin from Houghton's among them, running for a very special cause.
His chosen charity is St Oswald's Hospice in Gosforth. It's been supporting him since the death of his dad in June this year. His dad Richard, 33, died after a year long battle with a rare cancer called Sarcoma.
His mum, Beth Iveson says after Richard's death, she spent lots of time looking for support services that could help Alfie through his loss, but they were few and far between. She'd spoken to St Oswald's while Alfie's dad was still undergoing treatment, and they encouraged her to ring them if she was ever in need of help.
Alfie visits them every week, to do crafts such as making salt jars, and gives him the opportunity to talk through his feelings with Brenda and Beth - who are Bereavement Co-ordinators.
Alfie says "There's crafts, and i go every week, and meet other children whose mummy's and daddy's have died. I was there about two weeks, and then my dad died - they make me feel less sad and have a chat with me"
So far, he has raised £1,582 - and is hoping to raise more. His mum Beth couldn't be prouder -
"I'm ridiculously proud of him - not many 8 year olds can say they've raised so much money for charity. He raised over £1000 last year when he shaved his head, so we'll be pushing about £3000 he's raised in the last 12 months...we'll have to think about what to do next!"
If you wish to donate, you can visit Alfie's JustGiving Page, or text ALFS70 £(X) to 70070.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/minimatfi
It's the Junior Great North Run for slightly older kids happening later - good luck to everyone involved!