The brave boy who was badly scarred in a car accident but ran two marathons in lockdown to help other people

A brave eight-year-old has raised more than £7,000 for charity during lockdown – just four years after he was badly scarred in a car accident.
Charlie Graver has completed the equivalent of two marathons by running every day in June to chip away at the distance.Charlie Graver has completed the equivalent of two marathons by running every day in June to chip away at the distance.
Charlie Graver has completed the equivalent of two marathons by running every day in June to chip away at the distance.

Charlie Graver has completed the equivalent of two marathons by running every day in June to chip away at the distance.

By the time he finished, he had clocked up 87 kilometres and raised £7403 for the Changing Faces charity which helps and supports people with a visible difference.

It is a cause which is close to Charlie’s heart because he suffered broken cheek bones, a broken nose and lost a lot of skin from his nose and forehead after the accident in 2015.

Charlie and his mum get ready for another day of running.Charlie and his mum get ready for another day of running.
Charlie and his mum get ready for another day of running.

Charlie was only four years old when the heroic youngster needed emergency surgery.

It hasn't always been easy for him to have a ‘visible difference’, said his mum Kimberley, 34, who is married to Michael, 39. Charlie’s siblings are Harley Allan, 15, and Lucy, 13.

But Kimberley added: “Charlie’s dedication to the challenge has been inspiring.

Charlie has had huge support from friends and neighbours.Charlie has had huge support from friends and neighbours.
Charlie has had huge support from friends and neighbours.

“He ran not one but two marathons throughout June which is quite a challenge for an 8 year old!

“Never once did he complain. He just put on his trainers and started pounding those pavements. It has been an absolute pleasure running with him and coaching him along the way. I could burst with pride.”

Kimberley added: “Charlie is such a kind and thoughtful little soul and by doing this challenge he has raised a phenomenal amount of money for Changing Faces.”

“Everyday we ran a different route which we planned out each day. We ran around the local area in Chester-le-Street. Around the housing estates, in the woods and down Chester riverside park.”

Nothing stops this amazing young man as he pounds out the miles.Nothing stops this amazing young man as he pounds out the miles.
Nothing stops this amazing young man as he pounds out the miles.

Charlie was in hospital at the RVI in Newcastle for seven days after the accident. He lost cartilage from his nose but he can’t have reconstruction surgery until he is older.

But he still lives life to the full and loves both football and ju jitsu. He is also an amazing fundraiser.

Charlie was also shortlisted in this year’s Best of Wearside Awards until the ceremony was cancelled because of the coronavirus.

Becky Hewitt, chief executive of Changing Faces, said: “The team here at Changing Faces has been cheering on Charlie during his double marathon charity running challenge. He’s an absolute superstar!

Charlie gets ready for another day of running.Charlie gets ready for another day of running.
Charlie gets ready for another day of running.

“Thanks to Charlie’s incredible fundraising efforts more people with visible differences like marks, scars and skin conditions will be able to get the support they need to live the lives they want. Seeing Charlie out there in his Changing Faces running vest, making a difference is just brilliant.”

Anyone wanting to back Charlie’s amazing efforts should visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charliegraver

This is not Charlie’s first fundraiser either.

This incredible boy braved all the odds to run the Mini Great North Run last year and set a fundraising target of £500. He smashed the total and raised £3845 for the Changing Faces charity.

Read More
Read more: Devastation as heartless thieves strike at Sunderland memorial garden...

A message from the Editor:

So dedicated to helping others.So dedicated to helping others.
So dedicated to helping others.

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.