Teenager treks 22 miles and raises £1,240 for charity

A GREAT Sankey teenager has hiked 22 miles and raised more than a thousand pounds for charity.

Harrison Rylands completed Ullswater Way in the Lake District and collected £1,240 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The 13-year-old, who was a finalist in last year’s Warrington Guardian Education Awards after finishing a sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon, put on his hiking boots and together with his mum Louise he walked for eight hours over tough terrain.

Harrison, who is in Year 8 at Great Sankey High School, was inspired to do his latest charity walk after raising more than £3,000 to purchase defibrillators for Chapelford Farm Pub and McDonald’s in Gemini.

In May 2022, the youngster was inspired to take up the Snowdon challenge after a heart-breaking chain of events over a two-year period during the Covid-19 pandemic saw Harrison’s grandad, two uncles and a close friend all suffer heart attacks.

The former head boy at Chapelford Village Primary School completed the challenge walking up and down Wales’ highest mountain and was shortlisted for Junior Fundraiser of the Year 2023 at the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.

His latest charity expedition was in support of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he has been a patient since he was born.

Harrison was born with a congenital cataract which had to be removed when he was just eight weeks old so that he could gain some sight in his eye.

Harrison was born with a congenital cataract which had to be removed when he was just eight weeks old

He’s had follow-up procedures and check-up appointments over the last 13 years and says the care he has received has been exceptional.

Harrison, who wears a special lens in his left eye, said: “I wanted to give something back to the facility so other children can receive the care they require, just like I did.

“I wanted to do it before I am released from the care of Alder Hey when I turn 16.”

Mum Louise said: “Harrison and I did the hike around Ullswater together.

“It was really tough and the last three miles were the hardest.

“We had sore legs and feet but felt a massive sense of achievement when we finished.

“It was a brilliant day with fabulous weather and stunning views of the Lake District.

“Harrison has handed over his cheque to Alder Hey – they were very grateful for all his hard work.”

Harrison has regular appointments and check-ups at Alder Hey Children's Hospital