Bromley boy takes on three peaks challenge
Eight-year old Josh Bentley is scaling new heights to raise vital funds for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for carers by taking on a virtual three peaks challenge from his home.
I wanted to do something to help the people who are protecting others from coronavirus
Josh Bentley
Josh, who is in year three at Parish Church of England School in Bromley, loves sports and wanted to put his energy to good use during lockdown. He plans to complete the challenge by climbing up and down the stairs in his home a total of 641 times.
"I wanted to do something to help the people who are protecting others from coronavirus,” explained Josh.
“I'm also missing doing PE and playing football with my friends so wanted to do a challenge that would keep me fit!"
Josh is spreading the challenge across three consecutive Saturdays, conquering Scaffell Pike (184 climbs), Snowdon (204 climbs) and finally Ben Nevis (253 climbs). So far, he has completed Scaffell Pike with the support of his parents and his five-year old sister Anna.
Josh’s challenge has raised over £1500 so far, with the money raised going towards disability charity Leonard Cheshire’s urgent PPE appeal.
Equipment is vital to help protect staff, their families and residents from coronavirus. Each month, the charity is already spending £250,000 on PPE with this figure expected to rise significantly.
Leonard Cheshire is the leading disability charity in the UK, supporting over 3,000 disabled people nationwide. The charity runs 120 supported living facilities and services across the UK including two in Bromley, St Cecilia’s and Springfield.
Leslie Davey, Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising at Leonard Cheshire commented: “Given the urgency to secure PPE for our care staff during this worrying time, it is heartening to see such creative fundraising efforts like Josh’s.
We admire his dedication and tenacity and hope it inspires others to take on new, imaginative challenges to help their local communities. Good luck Josh!”
Media enquiries
For further information and high res images please contact Erin O’Reilly via erin.o’reilly@leonardcheshire.org.
Notes to editors
Josh won the Y3 boys Bromley Schools Cross Country race just before lockdown. Over 600 boys from schools across Bromley took part in the race, with Josh taking first place in his year group. Josh also plays football for his local football team, AFC Shortlands.