Bexhill boy, six, raises hundreds for good cause by cycling 25 miles

Charlie Willis, aged six, cycled 25 miles throughout August as part of his fundraiser.

The King Offa Primary Academy pupil, who lives with his mum Jo in Wickham Avenue, Bexhill, will be donating the money to Warming up the Homeless – a group which offers support to the area’s homeless.

This was the second time Charlie has supported the group after previously donating items including a sleeping bag, pot noodles, bottled water and spare clothing, when his mum spotted a plea on Facebook.

Jo entered her son into the Race at Your Own Pace event, setting him a target of 25 miles in a month.

She said: “I am so pleased for Charlie. It was such an adventure for him, with lots of people sending him cards in the post, wishing him well.

“He was convinced he was famous after seeing the first article about him in the Observer.”

Charlie also met Bexhill MP, Huw Merriman, in August, who went for a cycle ride with the youngster to hear more about his goal to raise money for Warming up the Homeless.

Jo added: “When Charlie went back to school in September he was very humble and modest about it all.

“If he sees a homeless person in the street he will say to me, ‘He can have my bed and I can sleep on the floor’.

“Quite often we buy homeless people snacks and food.

“Charlie also had a Facebook page with more than 400 people following it. He was also still doing karate three times a week as well.

“I’m so proud of Charlie for having so much compassion at such a young age.

“I am so grateful to every single person who sponsored him.”

Last year, Charlie threw a party and raised £160 through ticket sales for Special Kids Bexhill, a charity supporting children with special needs.