Eight-year-old Andre from Scraptoft has been running 5 km each morning before school to raise a total of 25 km for Children in Need, waking at 06:00 GMT to fit in the runs. By publication his fundraiser had topped £3,000. Despite sore legs and rainy mornings, Andre says the runs leave him energised and are building fitness for other sports, and his mother Katrina says she is immensely proud. The family hopes the effort will inspire others to give back.
8-Year-Old Runs 5K Before School Every Day to Raise £3,000+ for Children in Need
Eight-year-old Andre from Scraptoft has been running 5 km each morning before school to raise a total of 25 km for Children in Need, waking at 06:00 GMT to fit in the runs. By publication his fundraiser had topped £3,000. Despite sore legs and rainy mornings, Andre says the runs leave him energised and are building fitness for other sports, and his mother Katrina says she is immensely proud. The family hopes the effort will inspire others to give back.
09:06 AM, 11/14/2025Society
Eight-year-old runs 5k before school to raise money for Children in Need
Before most people have hit snooze, eight-year-old Andre from Scraptoft, Leicestershire, has been lacing up and running 5 kilometres each morning to raise money for Children in Need.
He set himself a target of completing a total of 25 km by running a 5k every day from Monday to Friday, waking at 06:00 GMT so he can finish the run before school. At the time of publication his fundraiser had passed £3,000.
At first I'm tired, but then I wake up properly and I'm ready to go. It's great. — Andre, aged eight
Despite early alarms and rainy weather, Andre says he has enjoyed the challenge. He told reporters: "It's very challenging, it's very hard. My legs ache a lot. It hurts a lot but I'm happy about it when I've done it." He also said the running has helped build stamina for his other sports, including golf, football and boxing.
His mother, Katrina, a 41-year-old business owner, praised the support they've received from family and friends and said she is immensely proud. "He has a smile on his face every morning. He's doing his best even with the rain — it's just been incredible," she said, adding that she hopes the challenge teaches Andre the value of giving back.
Andre has not ruled out attempting a marathon one day. The challenge began on Monday and the final 5k was completed on Friday morning, with the family grateful for the community support that helped the fundraiser surpass its initial expectation.