'I'm so proud': William crosses the finishing line with firefighter mum Vicky has he completes month-long running challenge for crews' charity fund

By Fiona Thompson

Published 1st Apr 2021, 14:29 BST

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An 11-year-old has crossed the line in his month-long running challenge inspired by his mum’s job on the frontline of firefighting.

William Young has raised more than £2,000 for the Fire Fighters’ Charity as he combined his return to fitness fundraising, covering two miles a day throughout March as he prepared to return to Sunderland Harriers sessions.

On his first night back, trainer Barry Lane gathered a group of 12 to join the St Aidan’s pupil on his task, while his final run saw him finish his route around Silksworth at Farringdon Community Fire Station, where mum Vicky Haswell is based with its Blue Watch crew.

The station rolled out the appliances and set up an incident tape finish line, held by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s assistant chief Lynsey McVay and Sylvia Stoneham, from the charity.

William Young has been congratulated for his fundraising for the Fire Fighters' Charity. Picture by Frank Reid

William Young has been congratulated for his fundraising for the Fire Fighters' Charity. Picture by Frank Reid

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In addition to counting his mum as company on runs, William was also joined by fellow Harriers member Ben Anderson, 12, and had Olympic runner Aly Dixon as a training partner one day, as she has been friends with Vicky since they signed up to the club as youngsters.

William said: "I think the best bit was probably the night where I was joined by all my friends on our first night back at Sunderland Harriers.

"I feel really happy I’ve done it.”

William Young, 11, and his mum Vicky Haswell arrive at the Farringdon Community Fire Station. Picture by Frank Reid

William Young, 11, and his mum Vicky Haswell arrive at the Farringdon Community Fire Station. Picture by Frank Reid

Vicky, 41, said: “I think for somebody who is 11 to set themselves quite a long task at 31 days is to be commended and I know how stubborn and single-minded he is, so I also knew he could do it.

"He’s taken every day smiling and that’s even been early mornings, because we had a 6.15am start one day so we could fit it into my shift and he was there standing in his bedroom door saying ‘Come on Mam.’

"He chose the Fire Fighters’ Charity and that came from him because he knows what my job entails and what it takes to be operational, because we need to be fit and if something goes wrong, we’re helped by the charity.

William Young crosses the finishing line at Farringdon Community Fire Station as the tape is held by Lynsey McVay, Assistant Chief Fire officer Tyne and Wear Fire Service, and Sylvia Stoneham, from Fire Fighters charity. Picture by Frank Reid

William Young crosses the finishing line at Farringdon Community Fire Station as the tape is held by Lynsey McVay, Assistant Chief Fire officer Tyne and Wear Fire Service, and Sylvia Stoneham, from Fire Fighters charity. Picture by Frank Reid

"I’m so proud of him. We also want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported him.”

Donations can be added via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/victoria-haswell.

The charity’s clothing banks are open with their locations available via https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/get-involved/recycle-your-clothing/recycling-banks.

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William Young, 11, with his mum Vicky Haswell. Picture by Frank Reid

William Young, 11, with his mum Vicky Haswell. Picture by Frank Reid

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