A SCHOOLBOY from Moredon raised more than £180 for his friend Charlie Dawson’s new wheelchair after cycling five miles to Coate Water on Friday

Blake Smith started cycling at 1.50pm, soon after finishing his last day of the school year at Moredon School, then arrived at 2.30pm and had an ice cream to celebrate his feat.

The asthmatic Year 4 pupil had never cycled that far before but wanted to do something to help Charlie, who does boxing training with him at Scrappers Gym..

His mum Teresa was thrilled with her little boy’s achievement.

She said: “His dad and I are very proud that he thought of doing something like this, we knew he could do it as he’s quite an active child and he really enjoyed it.

“He’s acting like it’s not big deal but I think he’s quite impressed with himself, when we told him on Friday we’d raised £120 so far he said ‘Wow, that’s really good!’

“We’ve raised £186 so far, we’re still getting messages coming in pledging donations and the school have been really supportive.”

“Now he’s off for the summer holidays so he’’ll have plenty of time to rest his legs.”

Blake’s 15-year-old brother Craig cycled with him to keep him company and his mum followed along in the car with refreshments.

Blake even tried to cycle all the way home before stopping at Beech Avenue, then his sister Abbie cycled the rest of the way home while he rested in the car.

Teresa added: “Blake’s only met Charlie a couple of times but they really clicked and when he sees him in the gym he’s happy.

“We knew they were doing a fundraising event at Scrappers and Blake wanted to do something to help.

“I suggested bike riding and he took it from there.”

Charlie’s mum Jackie Dawson was very grateful for their help.

She said: “I only knew about it the day before it happened and I was lost for words.

“I was amazed at the fact that a seven-year-old boy wanted to do something for Charlie and it was so out of the blue.

“What a kind-hearted thing to do. Charlie gave him a hug and bought him a bag of sweets to show his gratitude.”

Charlie himself is climbing Pen Y Fan in September to raise the money to pay for the £10,500 wheelchair he needs.