AN INSPIRATIONAL eight-year-old from a village near Rugby has helped to raise over £10,000 for charity by climbing one of Britain’s highest peaks on the tenth anniversary of his uncle’s tragic death.
Harry Bavington, from Stretton-on-Dunsmore, completed the 10-mile round trip to the summit of Mount Snowdon and back in memory of his uncle Robert Bavington, from whom Harry takes his middle name.
Robert Bavington was killed by a single punch during a night out in Leamington in 2016.
Web designer Robert was killed by a single punch during a night out in Leamington in 2016.
His brother James – who accompanied son Harry on the hike along with best friend Matt Burnell and uncle Ian Holt – said he wanted to channel the 10-year milestone into something positive.
He said: “Harry is named after his late uncle. Robert Harry became Harry Robert. He never had the chance to meet Rob, but he knows all about him, and completing this hike in his name meant a huge amount to our whole family.
“We chose this particular route because Rob had completed the very same hike years ago with myself and Matt. It felt like the right way to honour him, retracing his steps on the exact anniversary.”
The wider family came out to Wales to support the hikers on the day, including James and Rob’s parents, two of their aunties, and James’ nephew Jack.
“They met us at the end of the hike in Llanberis,” James said. “Mum and Dad were absolutely delighted and emotional about the whole event. It was a really positive day for all of us.”
The group chose to use the event to raise money for Breast Cancer Now.
James said: “We chose Breast Cancer Now because we’ve had a lot of breast cancer in our family, and I also have a close friend who is terminally ill as a result of the disease. It’s a cause that’s very close to us.
He added that the support and generosity from friends and family had been ‘incredible’ in helping the group to raise over £10,000 – ten times their original fund-raising target.
“The symbolism of the whole thing hasn’t been lost on us either. Ten miles, retracing a hike Rob once completed, on the exact 10th anniversary of his death, and now raising over £10,000.
“That last part was never planned – but it’s an absolute delight.
“Breast Cancer Now have offered to host Harry at their London offices where he’ll hand over a cheque for the total amount raised, and they’re looking forward to giving him a tour and showing him how the money raised will be put to good use.”
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/10years10miles to donate.
