Posted on: 07 Nov 2022
Two young fundraisers took on a challenge at the City Ground this weekend, to raise money for Nottingham Children’s Hospital.
Fundraising duo Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi took to the pitch at half-time in the Nottingham Forest Vs Brentford on Saturday 5th November.The boys completed a two laps of the pitch to raise money for the children’s cancer wards at Nottingham Children’s Hospital.
Friends Hughie and Freddie, aged 12 and 11, started fundraising when Hughie began receiving treatment for leukaemia in September 2020.
During Hughie’s treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, best friend Freddie set himself the challenge of running a 2km Junior Park Run every day for 50 days. His £1,000 target was smashed within days, his challenge captured the interest of the national media, and he raised over £250,000.
The pair won the fundraising award at the Pride of Manchester Awards, and then went on to be crowned Young Fundraisers at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Now, with Hughie feeling better, the boys are taking on another challenge. Both being huge football fans, they are running another 100km each by completing 1km around the pitch of every EFL and Premiership football ground.
The money raised at each ground will go to the local Children's Hospital where they hope it will buy soothing slushie drinks and other items for children receiving cancer treatment.
During Hughie’s treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, best friend Freddie set himself the challenge of running a 2km Junior Park Run every day for 50 days. His £1,000 target was smashed within days, his challenge captured the interest of the national media, and he raised over £250,000.
The pair won the fundraising award at the Pride of Manchester Awards, and then went on to be crowned Young Fundraisers at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Now, with Hughie feeling better, the boys are taking on another challenge. Both being huge football fans, they are running another 100km each by completing 1km around the pitch of every EFL and Premiership football ground.
The money raised at each ground will go to the local Children's Hospital where they hope it will buy soothing slushie drinks and other items for children receiving cancer treatment.
The Nottingham Forest run was their first ever Premiership challenge with a crowd, and they were cheered on by a supporters and away fans alike, raising over £1,800 so far for Nottingham Children’s Hospital.
Hughie’s mum, Katy Higginson, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of both the boys for all the fundraising they’ve done so far. It was fantastic to see them run out onto the pitch at the City Ground on Saturday, and to hear the fans cheering in support."
Louise Knight, Head of Fundraising at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so grateful to Hughie, Freddie and their families for taking on this challenge in aid of Nottingham Children’s Hospital. The money they have raised will make a real difference to young patients and their families from across the East Midlands, who are undergoing cancer treatment at the hospital. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.”
To support Hughie and Freddie in aid of Nottingham Children’s Hospital, please donate online at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hughiefreddierunfornuhc
Donate to Hughie and Freddie
Hughie’s mum, Katy Higginson, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of both the boys for all the fundraising they’ve done so far. It was fantastic to see them run out onto the pitch at the City Ground on Saturday, and to hear the fans cheering in support."
Louise Knight, Head of Fundraising at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so grateful to Hughie, Freddie and their families for taking on this challenge in aid of Nottingham Children’s Hospital. The money they have raised will make a real difference to young patients and their families from across the East Midlands, who are undergoing cancer treatment at the hospital. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.”
To support Hughie and Freddie in aid of Nottingham Children’s Hospital, please donate online at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hughiefreddierunfornuhc