Big-hearted Balloch fundraiser takes on marathon challenge for CHAS

dailyrecord.co.uk:

By James Humphrey A six-year-old fundraising hero is set to take on a marathon challenge for the charity which runs Balloch’s children’s hospice.Levenvale Primary pupil Liam Nicholas is spending his summer holidays running and hillwalking the distance of a marathon to raise money for Children Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which runs Balloch’s Robin House.CHAS has been helping children, babies and young people with life limiting conditions for over 30 years.Liam’s proud mum Natalie explained why he decided to take on the challenge.She said: “We have been collecting toys for the past year so he’s familiar with donating to CHAS and so he’s familiar with the charity through that.“We’ve been explaining what a charity does, where the stuff goes and how the kids might benefit from it.“Liam’s recently gotten into running so one day I said ‘it’s the summer holidays do you want to run for charity, it might benefit and people might donate money to fundraise and that goes to the kids’.“Straight away he was really keen.“He was quite excited and wanted to do the challenge and earn a medal at the end of it.”Liam’s instant enthusiasm to help others was a special moment for Natalie.She continued: “I’m really proud, I’m really happy he’s doing it.“The distance of a marathon is quite a lot for a six-year-old.“We’re aiming to do a mile or 2km a day for a quick run, but he’s at a summer club every day so he’s usually knackered when he gets home.“But he’s so happy after he’s done it.“We’re trying to build towards the 43km, so it’s a lot of work for him.“I think if he can do it then he’ll be really chuffed with himself and what he’s managed to achieve.”And variety is keeping Liam’s interest.Natalie added: “It’s a combination between