Spalding school pupil raises £350 for Poppy Appeal with sponsored bike ride

A kind-hearted little boy has raised more than £350 for the Royal British Legion Poppy
Appeal by taking part in a sponsored bike ride.

Spalding Ayscoughfee Hall School pupil Henry Steele (6) pedalled his way around an 11-mile course at Rutland Water on Saturday to raise money for the charity.

His parents Carl Steele and Sandie Hutchinson, of Deeping St Nicholas, said the youngster was thrilled to have raised so much.

“The idea came about after we were talking about the Poppy Appeal. Henry was concerned about how they were going to sell the poppies this year because of coronavirus, so we asked him if he would like to do something to raise some money himself,” Sandie said.

“He thought it was a great suggestion and we went through several ideas about what he could do and eventually settled on an 11-mile bike ride, as that number is significant to Remembrance Day.”

Henry’s parents weren’t sure if he would complete the ride in one go but were
delighted when he finished the whole route in just under two hours.

“We’re really proud of him,” added Sandie. “He didn’t complain at all while he was doing it.

“We’ve received so many messages of support, which I think has really helped to spur him on and we’d like to thank everyone who has donated to this worthy cause.”

lAnyone who would like to donate to Henry’s fundraising page can do so online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/henry-poppyappeal