A ‘ROLE model’ youngster has been committed to fundraising for the town he now calls home.
Harley Stringer, 11, has shown that you’re never too young to give back, having raised hundreds of pounds for Barnsley Hospital Charity despite the borough not being his home town.
Having moved from the Midlands to Barnsley in the last few years with his family, Harley’s pride for his new home is nothing short of heart-warming.
Harley’s admirable fundraising has scored him a Young Champions nomination, alongside his brother, Max, who also gets involved with the noble pursuit.
As a member of The Box Gym’s teen fitness class, Harley organised and led a Hyrox-style fitness event at the gym with over 40 children and adults taking part.
Hyrox is a challenging event that combines running with strength and endurance-based exercises and is a true test of fitness and teamwork.
The Mapplewell Primary School pupil’s drive to give back stemmed from the powerful sentiment of ‘you never know when you will need it’.
His efforts, which raised £562, were also fuelled by his involvement in his school’s fundraising activities including their Santa Saunter and a brave walk over Lego bricks all in support of local hospital patients.
Determined to do his bit, Harley worked closely with gym instructors to bring the workout challenge to life and it didn’t go unnoticed.
Jane Mills, charity development manager at Barnsley Hospital Charity, said: “What Harley has done is nothing short of remarkable.
“To see someone so young pour their energy, passion, and kindness into helping others is truly heart-warming.
“Both Harley and his younger brother Max have touched the lives of our patients and inspired us all.
“Harley is more than a young fundraiser he’s a shining light in the Barnsley community, using his strength, spirit and selflessness to make a lasting impact.”
Harley’s mum, Caroline, added: “Harley has shown real confidence getting people involved with his gym.
“At the end of the event he got up and thanked everybody for coming.
“He’s also showing people what he’s good at, not many 11 year olds go to a gym and it was a proud moment for him.
“At school, pupils get the chance to vote for the charities they support and Harley wanted to support Barnsley Hospital.
“We moved to Barnsley from the Midlands a few years ago, so it’s really important to him to support his community.
“He could’ve supported a big charity, like WaterAid, but he said ‘it’s got to be for Barnsley and our people’, which is really something.
“I’m really proud of both him and his brother.”
