Joshua Hoyle, a 13-year-old schoolboy from West Yorkshire has raised more than £28,000 for disadvantaged children in the North after an idea he dreamed up during lockdown captured the public imagination.
Joshua, who was completing his schoolwork at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, is passionate about education and wanted to do something for children not as lucky as himself.
He decided that for 32 days he would walk the five miles to school each morning, laden down with school books – adding one more to his bag each day, raising sponsorship for SHINE along the way.
By the end of the challenge, on the last day of term, Joshua had raised more than £9,300. Supporters of SHINE who had been inspired by Joshua’s kind-hearted actions, pledged to triple the amount he raised, meaning the final total will top £28,000.
So far, 13-year-old Joshua has battled through heavy rain, soaring temperatures and stinging nettles on his early-morning walk, but he has kept on smiling.
His challenge drew sponsorship from more than 260 individuals and won support from big names including health and education campaigner Sarah Brown, broadcaster June Sarpong, pro cricketer Tymal Mills and retired Test cricketer Sir Geoffrey Boycott.
Joshua even received a surprise visit from Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Ryan Schofield who came to his home to congratulate him on his efforts.
The story has also made headlines around the world, even featuring in the pages of Chinese newspaper China Daily.
On the final day of his challenge, Joshua and his parents were greeted by dozens of his teachers and friends from Shelley College, who gave him a hero’s welcome.
SHINE CEO Fiona Spellman was also on hand to present Joshua with a certificate to mark his remarkable achievement.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Joshua and to find out more about his challenge should visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/joshua-hoyle.