An eight-year-old boy who rode 25 miles on his bike to raise over £400 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, is taking on another six weeks' worth of activities in the charity’s Summer Fundraising Challenge and is encouraging other youngsters to get involved. 

Last year Barney Smith and his dad, Tom, from Alvechurch, saddled up and took on a cycle challenge, riding from Birmingham to Worcester along the canal paths, stopping for ice cream breaks on the way. He wanted to do something to give back to the hospital that helped him.  

When Barney was six, he began to experience bouts of breathlessness, even while he was resting. It really frightened Barney and his parents and left him feeling incredibly anxious. His GP referred him to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he was admitted for a few nights so he could be monitored and finally, he was diagnosed with asthma and prescribed with preventative medicine and inhalers to take at home every night.  

The family were all quite worried going into the hospital, but Barney’s dad, Tom, said: “The nurses were fantastic. They calmed Barney down and explained every process. We were all taken care of really well.” 

Barney’s new medication meant he’s been able to manage his asthma which has allowed him to be active without fear of struggling for breath. Grateful to the hospital for making him feel better, Barney wanted to do something in return and with the help of his dad, planned his cycling route and set about asking for sponsors. 

Tom continued: “Barney feels a real connection to the hospital so he was really pleased he was able to raise so much to say thank you to the staff who helped him and is looking forward to taking on some new challenges over the summer holidays.” 

As part of the charity’s Summer Fundraising Challenge, Barney is going to take on six challenges over the six weeks of the break, including; running a mile a day for six days, eating six different coloured fruits and vegetables every day for a week, playing an hour of tennis each day for six days and learning the names of six plants in the garden. 

Miranda Williams, Director of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “After Barney’s fantastic bike ride last year, we’re thrilled he’s joining us again for our Summer Fundraising Challenge. It’s the perfect way to keep little ones entertained over the school holidays while raising vital funds to help us do more for kids like Barney. 

“Getting involved is simple. All you need to do is get sponsored to complete six challenges over the six-week summer holiday. Whatever you choose to do – whether its six household chores a week, or six laps at the local swimming pool – is completely up to you but just like Barney’s wonderful fundraising, the money you raise will go towards supporting the 100,000 sick kids we treat every year.”