Four-year-old Florence runs up £2,000-plus for NHS

Florence Harrison began the challenge as a touch of exercise with her dad Paul close to their St Annes home.

The idea of raising a little cash through sponsorship for the health service followed, as Florence’s aunt Catherine Harrison works as a sister on the Covid unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital - but the initial target of £50 for the NHS Charity Blue Skies Hospitals Fund was quickly eclipsed as online donations topped £2,000.

Paul, a 37-year-old firefighter based at the Washington Hall training HQ in Chorley, said: “It started as a bit of dad and daughter time and the response has been phenomenal.

“It’s such an important cause and Florence has been a real star. We covered 10km in the first week and have doubled that since, covering a section in the local area each day.

“Her little sister Ophelia, who’s two, has come along as support and we have had a great time.

“The total raised has soared and we are so grateful for all the contributions.”

Her mum Chloe, 34, said the idea came from Florence wanting to “beat the bugs” and do a good deed.

“We have tried to explain to her how much money it is, but at four years old it’s hard,” said Chloe. “We keep telling her it would buy a lot of Barbies!

“We can’t believe how much money people are donating, especially at times like this when some people’s finances are stretched.

“Thank you to everyone!”

Florence is a pupil at Ansdell Primary School and Paul said she has received a message of encouragement and thanks for her efforts from renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, after whom her class at the school is named.

“Jane’s based in Zimbabwe and a message has come through to say congratulations to Florence on her fund-raising efforts, which we are thrilled about,” said Paul.

Kila Redfearn, head of the Blue Skies Fund at the Vic, said: “It just shows that even the smallest of people can make the biggest of differences.

“It’s truly heart-warming to see and we can’t thank Florence enough for her support.”

Details of Florence’s challenge at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-harrison82