FIVE-YEAR-OLD NUFC FAN FUNDRAISES FOR OUR FOUNDATION

A five-year-old Newcastle United fan has raised £283 for our Foundation by running laps around St James’ Park.

Parker after his run

Parker Raine is one of the youngest supporters of our Foundation and ran three times around the outside of the stadium alongside his dad, James Raine.

Parker, from Sunderland, has held a season ticket at Newcastle for more than two years and loves learning about its history.

James says: “Whenever we’re in Newcastle, he always wants to go to the Sir Bobby statue at St James’ Park.

“He recently saw some footage of Sir Bobby on the television and we talked a lot about him. Parker’s previously done a little run for charity and he decided he wanted to do something to help Sir Bobby’s charity this time. We’re all extremely proud of him.”

Parker reached his fundraising target of £100 in just a few days thanks to family members and went on to raise almost three times as much.

James adds: “It’s good to try and teach kids from a young age about helping others. Running is also something that’s helping build Parker’s self-confidence. Like me, he’s had some issues with speech and has needed some therapy and doing something like this run is really helpful for him.

James Raine with his grandad, Jim Raine

“I’m also really proud that he chose to support a charity that means a lot to me personally. My grandad was the main male figure in my life and growing up and I’d spent two or three nights every week at his house.

“He was diagnosed with cancer when I was 24 and I moved in to help care for him. So, I know how important the work of Sir Bobby’s Foundation is and it’s fantastic to know his great-grandson has done something to help other people with cancer.”

Lady Elsie says: “I was very touched to hear about Parker’s fundraising for our Foundation. To be thinking of others at such a young age is a really lovely thing and his whole family must be very proud of him.

“Our thanks to Parker and to everyone kind enough to sponsor him. We’ll make sure the money raised is put to very good use.”