A nine-year-old boy has raised just over £1000 after being inspired by the Fakenham Ukes.
Aiden Linger raised the money for homeless charity Centrepoint having seen what his Nannie and her Uke bandmates do, regularly donating to worthy causes. He planned to run, walk and cycle a half marathon in 17 days.
After mum, Tracy Linger put his fundraising on social media, as well as Centrepoint spotlighting his fundraising online, they saw support begin to increase. He responded by upping his fundraising pledge by doubling his distance to a full marathon.
Mrs Linger, who was born and raised in Wells and calls the Norfolk coastal town her true home, said she is so proud of her boy’s effort.
“I am so proud of him, I can't begin to tell you,” the 42-year-old said.
“I’ve always known he has had a big heart and always tries to help charities, this can be seen with him becoming a youth ambassador for the charity BulliesOut.
“He always wants to help people so the fact he did as well as he did is absolutely amazing.”
When he first set out on his fundraising, he set himself a goal of £100. As the funds started to rise well above his target he described that he wanted to carry on, which saw him smash his goal ten-fold.
“It felt amazing, it was unbelievable for me,” the nine-year-old said.
“I was a bit lost for words with the money coming in, I was absolutely amazed so I said I should just keep going for them.”
His original figure alone was donated by the Ukes. Aiden went along to collect the funds at one of the practices of his favourite bands.
“I love going to see Fakenham Ukes either perform or practice, and they always make me feel so welcome,” he said.
“They give a lot of money to charity, and that has always made me want to do something similar.”
Mum now said the pair are discussing what he should do next. The only thing set in stone is that he wants to raise £2000.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here