A big-hearted Mansfield boy celebrated his 10th birthday in style by taking on a running challenge for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Lennon Scott, of Mansfield Woodhouse, pounding the pavements alongside his mum, Emma, throughout January to hit his 25-mile target.

The Northfield Primary and Nursery School student was 10 on New Year’s Eve and, after taking inspiration from a YouTube star who donated presents to a children’s hospital, Lennon decided he wanted to do something to help others.

“After he told me about the YouTuber I suggested to him that he could do something to help other children too,” said Emma.

“Like most children, Lennon’s struggled at times this past year so I think doing something that would benefit other children appealed to him.

“I spoke to my friend who works in a children’s ward and she suggested various charities, and between us we decided Bluebell Wood would be the perfect cause to support.”

With the running fundraising total above £500, Lennon and his family have surprised by the support they’ve received.

“It’s just so overwhelming. We never expected to raise as much as we have,” Emma added.

“Lennon’s taken to the challenge so well and we can’t stop telling him how proud we are.

“We don’t need to motivate him at all. Knowing where the money was going kept him going.

“It’s such an achievement and we’d like to thank everyone who’s supported Lennon in his challenge for the generosity.”

The challenge came at a time when much of Bluebell Wood’s planned fundraising activity has been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mel Rose, regional fundraiser for Bluebell Wood, said: “Lennon is an inspiration and I can’t thank him enough for supporting Bluebell Wood.

“It’s been fantastic to receive regular updates on his progress and I’ve very much enjoyed being a part of his fundraising journey.

“Here at Bluebell Wood we rely on our amazing fundraisers so we can be there for local children and families when they need us the most, so he should be incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.

“A huge thank-you to Lennon, his family and everyone who has supported his challenge for going above and beyond for Bluebell Wood.”

Bluebell Wood cares for families from across North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, both at the hospice and in families’ homes. It costs almost £14,000 each day to keep the hospice doors open so the support of the communities it serves is more important than ever.