Noah and Isla going extra mile (or 25) for charity
Five-year-old twins did laps of nan’s street
FIVE-YEAR-OLD twins Isla and Noah Cooke put their best feet forward to raise hundreds of pounds for the homeless.
The Forsbrook Primary School pupils decided to follow in the footsteps of Captain Tom Moore and walked laps of their grandmother’s street to raise funds for The Macari Centre in Hanley.
They completed 102 circular laps of Portland Drive, Forsbrook, in three weeks – which equates to 25 miles.
Now they have raised £350, which they are to present to Lou Macari in the near future.
Proud nana Jenny Pearce said the twins decided they wanted to do something to help homeless people in Stoke on Trent after a discussion with their teacher about caring for others.
Jenny, who completed the walks with the twins, said: “It was Isla’s idea for us to do the walk and raise the money. We got friends and relatives to sponsor them, even my friend’s son in Australia has sent some money.
“So far we have £307 but a further £43 has been pledged.
“They have done brilliantly. They are only five-and-a-half. I am very proud. It was really thoughtful of them and it’s good that they are thinking about other people.”
Isla said: “I enjoyed raising money. It was my idea. When I heard about these people being homeless I wanted to help.”
Stoke City fan Noah, who ran a lot of the way, added: “I hope to raise money for Lou Macari’s charity again in the future.”
Mum Danielle Cooke said: “We’re really proud of them both for working so hard to raise the money and also for being so thoughtful and realising that other people are not as fortunate as they are and need help.”
Family friend Jan Zablocki, of Weston Coyney, added: “I find it a wonderful, uplifting story.
“It was a conversation the teacher was having with the children about caring for others and Lou Macari and his work for the homeless came out in that. I honestly believe teachers do not get enough credit for their developmental approach to children. I find it inspirational.”
Lou Macari said the twins will be visiting the Regent Road centre, pictured left, after school. He said: “We will be delighted to see them. For them to raise the money is fantastic. Their parents have told us they have been following what we have been doing.
“We asked them to come down because we realise it was a wonderful gesture by them.
“For people so young to do it is fantastic.”