Six-year-old Swindon running hero raises £18,000 for Ukranian refugees
George Westell has covered 31 miles over the past month!
Last updated 8th Apr 2022
A young boy from Swindon has raised more than £18,000 for Ukranian refugees, after completing an epic charity challenge.
After being emotionally moved by the conflict, George Westell pledged to run a mile per day throughout March, fundraising for The British Red Cross.
With the aid of family members, the six-year-old has overcome extreme weather conditions and a bout of COVID to complete the full 31 miles.
George's Mum Catherine described the current situation in Ukraine as "harrowing," and is now beaming with joy that her son has shown his support.
"It's just been absolutely incredible ... how everyone has got behind him. We feel incredibly proud of George and just how much money he's raised.
"To know how much of a difference that's going to make to people and all the amazing things that The Red Cross will be able to buy (is a special feeling)," she told Greatest Hits Radio.
'People need our help, why aren't we helping them?'
Many parents have found the war between Russia and Ukraine a problematic subject to tackle with their children.
Whilst admitting that family conversations about the conflict were tricky, Mrs Westell explains that addressing it with her son actually inspired him to start the challenge.
"We wanted to tell George a little bit about what was going on, but a sensitised version ... (as) it's a little bit upsetting.
"At that age, it's really simple isn't it, (George was saying): 'People need our help, why aren't we helping them?'
"As a parent, that's a really difficult thing to answer sometimes, because you do feel helpless with what's going on. You do wish we were doing more to help, when people so desperately need it at the moment," she added.
The British Red Cross Society is currently providing food, water, medical supplies and shelter to victims across Ukraine.
More information about George's feat, including how to donate, can be found on his fundraising page.