A 10-year-old boy has run every day for the last two years to help a charity buy a Lake District forest.
Wesley van Schelven, of Whinlatter, has run every day come rain, shine – and currently snow to raise funds for Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s appeal to buy Skiddaw Forest.
He started his challenged on January 10 2023 and usually goes out for a 2km run before school. However, his challenge has meant he has run all over the country and even in the Netherlands and France while on holiday.
With over 1,400km covered over the two years, the distance from London to Rome, and over three times the height of Everest climbed, he’s showing no signs of stopping.
Wesley said: “Sometimes is hard to go out in if its raining or stormy or if I’ve been out on a long bike ride first but once I’m out running I always enjoy it. This year I have been able to run further and can now run up the local Wainwrights from my house, I really like Brown How and Whinlatter.”
His parents said Wesley thrived from starting his day by connecting with the natural world around him and he loved to report back on what he has spotted along the way.
He loves putting these gains into action at local fell races, competing for his club Cumberland Fell Runners, they added.
Wesley heard about the Skiddaw Forest restoration project and went along to a meeting in Keswick run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust to explain its plans.
Having stayed at the Skiddaw House YHA twice, Wesley knows the area and wants to help, through volunteering and raising money, to restore the habitat for the plants and animals that once lived here.
James Jolly, of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, added: “What an amazing achievement by Wesley! Cumbria Wildlife Trust is really grateful to have him raising funds for ongoing Skiddaw Forest appeal.
“It’s really heart-warming to see youngsters taking positive action for nature and contributing to protecting and restoring wildlife for the future. Wesley will be able to see so many positive improvements over the coming decades, which will have been directly helped by his fundraising efforts.”
Wesley’s fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/page/wesley-van-schelven-1735847762860
