Eight-year-old fundraising hero raises £1,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice

James Woodhouse and his classmates on their visit to Leyland Trucks

An eight-year-old boy has raised almost £1,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

James Woodhouse was one of 110 riders to take part in Leyland Truck’s 2019 Factory to Festival cycle challenge.

His fundraising efforts meant James, whose father works at Leyland Trucks, raised £950 – more than any other participant, and five per cent of the total £16,000 donation to St Catherine’s.

James raised the money by rallying friends, family, schoolmates, parents and teachers. His passion for the cause inspired dozens of people to donate.

James said: “I wanted to do the bike ride with my dad and, when I found out why we were collecting money, I promised to raise as much as I could.

“At first I thought I would get to keep the money, but I tried even harder once I was told how it would help people at the Hospice through sponsorship.”

James’ dad, Phil Woodhouse, said: “We’re so proud of James for throwing himself into fundraising and for the way he handled the bike ride on the day. Conditions were tough, so it was great to be riding alongside my son who was so motivated. To hear that he raised more money than anyone else involved is incredible.

“He’s got the fundraising bug and is now planning another, longer race for charity. We’re all intrigued to see what he’ll achieve next!”

As a thank you to James and his classmates at Clayton-le-Woods Primary School, who helped him with his fundraising efforts, Leyland Trucks invited the class to visit the factory. James was also awarded with a model truck and some gift vouchers.

Matt Kersey, chairman of the Helping Hand Committee at Leyland Trucks, said: “For James to just take part in the event was fantastic – it was a tough day for any cyclist – but for him to have raised such a huge amount of money is truly inspiring.

“That’s why we wanted to personally thank James and his classmates for supporting the event, and for taking the opportunity to help people in need in our community. He has inspired so many people in a school full of generous, big-hearted children, teachers and parents.”

This year’s Factory to Festival event saw riders take on one of three routes – 30, 80 or 115 miles – in tough weather conditions, with the more challenging routes covering some notorious climbs and descents throughout the Lancashire countryside and beyond.

Deputy Headteacher at Clayton-le-Woods Primary School, Mr Howard said, “All of us at school are extremely proud of James’ fantastic achievement.”

To donate, visit the Factory to Festival JustGiving page.

What do you think of James’ fundraising efforts? Let us know in the comments below.