Triathlete Jack hits the road for ‘awesome’ Demelza
An eight-year-old schoolboy has raised £1,500 for the “lovely people” who looked after his dying cousin.
Jack Hills, from Lenham Road in Platts Heath, completed a triathlon that included a 200m swin, a 6km cycle ride and 3.3km run at Maidstone Leisure Centre and Mote Park last month.
The challenge was in memory of his two-year-old cousin, Jessica Humphrey, who had quadriplegic cerebral palsy with epilepsy and was helped by Demelza Hospice Care for Children for three years prior to her death in 2013.
Jack, who visited her in the Sittingbourne hospice several times, said: “That’s when I learnt what a wonderful place it is.
“I saw the lovely people who work there care for Jessica and all the other children, and I think they are awesome. They have some cool toys and a great music room too. Jessica loved her music therapy.
“I have decided I would like to raise some money for Demelza to say thank you.”
The Egerton Church of England Primary School pupil, who loves all kinds of sport, set about getting sponsors and completed the triathlon with his dad Chris, 47, in one hour 23 minutes and 27 seconds.
He said: “I would have been quicker, but dad slowed me down!”
More than 90 people supported Jack, including his local lollipop lady. He has since been presented with a trophy by staff at Demelza to mark his achievement
Jack’s mum, Sarah, 45, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who supported him in raising this great amount which we were delighted to hand over.”
Demelza events coordinator Emma Cox said: “We were delighted to hear about Jack’s challenge.
Ms Cox added: “It was so thoughtful of him and he raised an incredible amount to help fund the work we do in caring for children with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions.”