A severely disabled Fareham boy has raised thousands of pounds for two hospices involved in his care.
Ten-year-old Alfie Rendell overcame a series of daunting obstacles to complete a 26-mile cross-country trek from Basingstoke to Winchester and back.
Friends and family used hoists to help Alfie and his 26kg wheelchair to negotiate boggy fields and steep hills.
The group walked from Sebastian’s Action Trust to Naomi House & Jacksplace before setting out on the return journey.
Alfie’s Marathon March has so far raised more than £4,500, which will be shared between the two charities.
Alfie's mum, Samantha Dale, said: "We did the challenge to raise money for two lovely charities that are close to our hearts. We wanted to say thank you to them and show that we appreciate their service.
"We were really anxious about how it would go.
"If Alfie was having a bad day it would have been really tricky as at times he can't sit in his wheelchair for more than an hour. Luckily, he loved it and did so well.
"At the end, everyone was tired and getting slower but Alfie’s laughing kept us all going.
READ MORE: Southampton mum praises work of hospice that helps care for her terminally ill daughter
“I think Alfie enjoyed being carried like a king and that the whole day was about him.
"Our aim was to raise £1,000 for each charity and we've smashed that, raising over £4,000 and counting. We all have aches and blisters but it was definitely worth it.”
Pete Abrahams, head of supporter services and Naomi House & Jacksplace, added: "Alfie and his wonderful family and friends are an absolute inspiration.
"Meeting Alfie and his team at their halfway mark as they reached the hospices was brilliant. They were full of laughter and absolutely determined to keep going. What a phenomenal effort and achievement."
READ MORE: Man, 60, raises almost £200,000 for hospices after running a total of 1,572 miles
Megan Lowden, community fundraiser at Sebastian's Action Trust, also paid tribute to Alfie and his family.
She said: "Seeing them walking round the corner of our Bluebells site after a 26-mile walk was such a special moment. Their determination and passion to fundraise for the Trust is something we will always admire.
"Thank you to Alfie, his mum, and the rest of his support crew for taking on such a tricky challenge to fundraise and raise awareness for Sebastian’s Action Trust.
"Their support with ensure we continue to provide emotional and practical support for seriously ill children and their families."
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