Boy, 7, walking 1km a day in memory of grandmother

Sarah Turnnidge,West of England and
Kathryn Emerson,Tewkesbury
News imageBBC William looks up at the camera with a smile. He is wearing a green, red and white elf costume and an oversized baby blue bobble hat. BBC
William, from Tewkesbury, has already raised hundreds of pounds

A seven-year-old boy has set out to walk 1km every day in December in memory of his grandmother.

It is the second year that William, from Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire, has taken on the challenge for Sue Ryder, who cared for his grandmother Ann.

Having raised £600 for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in 2024, William has again become a familiar face in his community, wearing an elf costume as he walks with his family.

"I see quite a lot of lights and decorations, and I also see quite a lot of people waving to me and stuff like that," he said.

News imageWilliam and Mum Faye taken from above. They are sitting on a sofa and looking at a gold-framed photo of William and his grandmother Ann wearing plastic Union Jack hats. William is wearing his green elf outfit.
William's grandmother Ann was cared for at home by the Sue Ryder team

William's mother, Faye, said she was "very proud" of her son, adding that even on the days when he was tired from school and sports clubs, he was "always up" for completing the challenge.

"Last year he just walked with so much purpose, he really took pride in doing the challenge, and it will be the same again this year," she said.

He has already raised more than £800 for the hospice this year, and told the BBC that while he was getting "a bit tired" and conditions were "very rainy", he was "still feeling good".

News imageWilliam strides along the pavement in his elf costume, which is green with red and white stripy trousers. He also wears a red and green hat, with large elf ears attached.
William aims to walk at least 1km every day in December

"I can't say how grateful we are [to Sue Ryder]," said Faye. "They helped us keep our promise and keep mum at home, and they were just an absolute godsend for my sister and me.

"I'll always remember the lady saying it just takes a little bit of the pressure off us, and we can just be her daughters again and sit and be with her while they help dress her and keep her clean.

"It was such a relief, and we are forever grateful for their support."

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