Hatton 11-year-old completes marathon challenge for Warwick-based charity

An 11-year-old from Hatton has completed a marathon to help raise money for a Warwick-based charity.

Henry Jenkinson, whose dad is a trustee of Safeline, took on the 2.6 challenge by running a marathon in five days.

He started his challenge last Monday (May 4) and when he finished on Friday (May 8) he was met with people cheering from their front doors.

Miss Morris, Head of Ferncombe School, where Henry attends, Neale Murphy, the Mayor of Warwick, and Rachael Stevens from Safeline were also there to congratulate Henry on his return.

Henry has now raised more than £2,000 for Safeline.

He said: "My legs have been a little sore since completing the challenge but I’m really pleased I did it.

"I felt really proud and was very surprised when I came round the corner to the finish line by my house, to see so many people cheering from their front doors.

"I did not expect to see my school head Ms. Morris there, let alone the Mayor of Warwick.

"We have now raised over £2000 and it’s great that I’ve been able to help Safeline.

"I had two ginger beers and lots of chocolate as a reward for finishing, which did help me forget about the sore legs for a while.”

Henry's dad Richard, said: "We’re really proud of what Henry has done, and it’s been a week we’ll remember for a long time.

"He is a determined young man and once he’d decided on running the marathon there wasn’t much doubt that he’d do it, whatever condition his legs were in by day 5.

"We’re also really touched by the support he’s had from Safeline, his school (Ferncumbe Primary School), neighbours, friends and family.

"Everyone has been so generous, and responded brilliantly to Henry’s enthusiastic support of a really important cause.

"Abuse can be a tricky subject to tackle but Henry wasn’t put off by that, any more than 26.2 miles he’s had to run over the last five days.”

Neale Murphy, Mayor of Warwick added: "Henry was amazing and so brilliant on what he achieved and how well he did it, again raising an amazing amount of money.

"Thank you Henry and you deserved the standing ovation from the street as a welcome party."

A spokesperson from Safeline said: "We at Safeline, are blown away by Henry’s achievement. His fundraising has been incredible and currently stands at over £2,000 but he has also helped raise awareness of Safeline both in the press and online.

"It was fantastic to hear him talking about Safeline and his fundraising for us on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire News.

"A huge thank you to Henry and his dad, Richard, and also to everyone who donated towards his 2.6 challenge."

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richards-26-challenge