A seven-year-old boy has raised over £2,000 for charity after completing a triathlon.
Henry Coakley, from Abbots Langley, took an interest in fundraising in 2021 when his mother, Louise, completed her first triathlon. She chose to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK after her father, Henry’s granddad, was diagnosed with the disease.
Over the next few years, Louise raised over £11,000 for the charity. Henry’s grandad was fortunately given the all clear, but Henry still wanted to follow in his mum’s footsteps.
The passing of a family friend from bowel cancer in April pushed Henry to take action.
Louise told ABBOTSnews: “Henry swam once a week, rode his bike most days, and ran every other day. He wasn’t that confident on his bike, so he was determined to get that right. He took part in local parkruns when he wasn’t playing football to help with his running.”
Despite initial worries that he would be too young to take part in a triathlon, Henry officially set off on Sunday, May 11. It was one week before his eighth birthday, making him “the youngest there for sure”.
Louise said: “I am beyond proud of Henry for completing his first triathlon. Watching him with such determination and happiness was truly inspiring. At seven years old, he showed incredible courage, focus and strength – qualities that will take him far in life.
“It wasn’t about where he placed; it was about completing it and raising money for a charity which is so close to our hearts. The spirit and effort he put into it was incredible, and I really am the proudest mum. He now keeps saying he wants to do another one. Watch this space!”
Henry set out with the intention of raising £200. At the time of writing, he has smashed his target and raised a total of £2,175.
The money raised will help those with bowel cancer by improving their quality of life and potentially even help to save lives.
Head to www.shorturl.at/dLsN5 to donate to Henry’s fundraiser or www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk to find out more about the charity.
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