Waterlooville grandson, 7, is running 1 mile each day in September to raise funds for Parkinson's UK
A CARING grandson is challenging himself to run one mile each day in September to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK to support his grandad.
Seven-year-old Kobe Brown is lacing up his running shoes each day this month for a challenge which has seen him raise nearly £800 so far.
Waterlooville resident Kobe wants to help Parkinson’s UK fund a cure for the neurological condition because his grandad John Manning was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago.
Kobe, a pupil at Padnell Junior School in Cowplain, said: ‘I wanted to raise money because my grandad has Parkinson’s disease. The money can help people with Parkinson’s and make people more interested in the charity, then the scientists can get some better equipment to help find a cure.
‘They could also get some more scientists who may have a new idea that could defeat it.’
The challenge is also being completed by Kobe’s mum Gemma, who is doing a mile of cycling and rowing on top of the running, Kobe’s twin sister Orla, who will be scooting along with the pair, and they are encouraging 73-year-old John to try and walk for 10 minutes each day.
Gemma, a specialist neuro physiotherapist, said: ‘I’ve got a treadmill at home and Kobe started joining me when I have been doing gym sessions - it turned out he’s incredible at running.
‘He just wanted to raise £100 and he did that within four hours of putting it online. He was so chuffed and proud of himself, I really hope this will drive his confidence. It has just surpassed our expectations.’
The young runner is keen to become a scientist when he is older, and spends his spare time trying to create his own inventions, which is why he’s keen to help the scientists working on a cure for Parkinson’s.
Gemma, 36, added: ‘He’s a really empathetic little boy, he always knows when someone’s upset. He’s a really special little boy, he’s really kind and thoughtful. We’re so proud of him.’
Having surpassed his original £100 target by a long way, Kobe is now aiming high and hopes to bring in £1,000 for the charity to find a cure or treatment.
Visit time-to-get-active-20.everydayhero.com/uk/kobe-gemma-and-john-s-3-generation-challenge to donate.