Ellesmere boy raises cash to aid grandad
An eight-year-old boy trekked 10 miles along a canal in Shropshire to support a charity helping his grandad.
Billy Austin, from Ellesmere, was joined by family and friends on the towpath of the Montgomery Canal for the sponsored walk in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease charity.
His feat raised almost £400 and despite being tired after the walk, he has pledged to carry on fundraising throughout the year.
Billy's grandad, Frank Austin, suffers from the disease and the youngster wanted to do something to help not only him but others as well.
His mother Sallyann Morris said: "We had a brilliant day on Saturday, Billy did fantastically well and so did the rest of the group.
"Everyone has been amazing in sponsoring and supporting Billy in his fundraising journey. The amount he has raised so far is near to £400 which is absolutely overwhelming.
"His friends want to join him in his many other fundraising events which will include a sponsored swim, bike ride, run and walk up Snowdon.
"Hannah Thomas, sports massage therapist from Ellesmere, has generously offered to give some voluntary time to help Billy's recovery after some of the tough events ahead."
She added: "Billy finds it hard seeing his grandad suffering like this but goes up to see him with his dad. He wanted to do something to help the charity and so he has said that he will do one sponsored event every month from January until December in support of his grandad and all those who are suffering from the disease."
Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive disease that attacks nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. People can support the fundraising via www.justgiving.com/Sallyann-Morris
