Max uses pedal power to help NHS

Kind-hearted youngster inspired by CaptainTom

JEAN WARD

An Airdrie boy got on his bike to raise money for the NHS after being inspired by his fundraising hero Captain Tom Moore.

Little Max Stewart, from Cairnhill, has harnessed his pedal power to cycle 100 laps round the cul-de-sac at his home in a bid to raise money for the NHS.

After celebrating his sixth birthday last month, Max embarked on his fundraising venture to honour the work of Monklands nurses and raised more than £400 for his local NHS.

Max was “fascinated” after watching the inspirational centenarian Captain Tom Moore on TV, who raised an epic £32 million for NHS charities, after completing 100 laps at his Bedfordshire home to mark his 100th birthday.

Mum Leigh Wallace, a trainee nurse, told the Advertiser: “I’m super proud of him. Max came up with the idea all by himself.

“He was so excited and said, ‘ I really want to do this for the nurses and the NHS’.

“He was inspired after he saw Captain Tom on TV and by what he had done to raise funds for the NHS.”

And having set a modest target, the Chapelhall Primary pupil and his parents were blown away by the generosity of wellwishers with the impressive £440 total exceeding their expectations.

A delighted Leigh said: “We had set his target at £50; we didn’t expect people to donate so much.” And Leigh, dad Kenneth and Max’s “best buddy” great gran Betty Wallace, 96, are all ‘bursting with pride’ after the amazing achievement of their little superhero.

Leigh added: “His dad and I are so proud of him.

“He has a heart of gold and is always thinking about others.”

He was inspired after he saw Captain Tom... He has a heart of gold and thinks of others

Fundraising hero Max was inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s incredible exploits for the NHS

Clear message The six-year-old wearing his specially designed t-shirt

On his bike Max travelled 100 laps around the cul-de-sac at his home