Nine-Year-Old Smashes Fund Raising Target


Thomas Crowther's cycling raised over £2000 for local charity Home-Start Wandsworth


No picnic here for Thomas and his mother

Thomas Crowther, aged 9 challenged himself to cycle a marathon through the Surrey Hills to raise funds for Home-Start Wandsworth*, last Saturday (20 June). He had aimed to raise £1000 but has smashed that target and raised £2018 (at publication - but it is not too late to donate!

Thomas told PutneySW15.com: “This was a tough challenge. I didn't really realise how far 26 miles was. Lots of people tried to persuade me to do 26km because it would have been easier but I wanted to do a proper marathon.

It was not without mishap including possible snakes in the field they were going to have a picnic lunch in, rain showers, falling off his bike and a puncture (for mum)but these did not deter Thomas from his challenge, the sore thighs were worth it as: "£2k is enough to train 20 new volunteers and £125 supports one HSW family for 1 month."



Linda Hayllar, a trustee for Home-Start Wandsworth and Putney resident said: "All of the team at Home-Start Wandsworth would like to say a massive well done and thank you for this amazing achievement both in cycling this marathon distance and raising so much money. We rely on fundraising events like this in order to continue our work supporting vulnerable local families. Well done Thomas!"

* Home-Start Wandsworth is a local charity which provides practical and emotional support to families with young children across the Borough of Wandsworth. They recruit and train volunteers (a number of whom live in Putney) who go on to support families who find themselves in challenging situations dealing with issues such as post natal depression or other mental health issues, social isolation, disability, financial or housing difficulties.

Linda told this website: "Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside families to give confidential support and friendship. We also run support and training groups and organise holiday activities. During the Covid-19 crisis we have adjusted our service to continue to give practical and emotional support to local families as they navigate the unique challenges that this situation has presented."

Please contact Home-Start Wandsworth via their website if you would like more information about volunteering or fundraising for them. Please also get in touch via their website if you are, or know of, a family that is struggling for any reason during these uncertain times to find out if Home-Start Wandsworth can assist.

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June 25, 2020