Eight-year-old inspired by Colonel Tom runs 20 miles to raise money for hospital charity

Nathan Volino-Miranda from Surrey has gone the extra mile for his local NHS charity, raising a brilliant £1,690, after being inspired by 100-year-old Colonel Tom Moore.

Nathan, 8, from Bellfields set himself a challenge to run 20 miles over three weeks and raise £1,000 for Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity. Not only did he smash his three-week target by completing the distance one week ahead of schedule, but he has also surpassed his fundraising target.

In order to encourage people to donate, Nathan made his challenge more difficult by running a mile with a cardboard box over his head, that he had decorated with a rainbow and face.

He said:

“I wanted to help raise money for the NHS because they’re doing such a good thing for everyone. The challenge wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t too hard either; I enjoyed doing it.”

Nathan’s mum, Tara, has supported his fundraising by printing and selling rainbow t-shirts via her small business, Attaras, and donating the profits. The t-shirts have raised over £500 towards Nathan’s total.

Tara, who works as an IT Manager for law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, said:

“We wanted to say a huge thank you to the Royal Surrey and, not just for what they are doing now, but what they continue to do all year round. We've always had amazing care. I’m incredibly proud of Nathan for completing the challenge. He was so determined and never gave up.”

Tara set up Attaras, which sells handmade crafts and printed t-shirts, as a hobby when the pandemic hit. She continued: “I’m so pleased the t-shirts have been so popular – thank you to everyone who has supported us, donated or bought a t-shirt.”

The money raised will help fund projects over and above what the NHS provides: buying state of the art equipment, refurbishing or redeveloping wards, funding innovative research, and investing in staff development and wellbeing.

Sandy Lowry, our Events Fundraising Manager, said:

“Nathan has done a brilliant job – not only of challenging himself and completing his challenge, but also to raise such a fantastic amount for the charity. We are very grateful to him and Tara and to everyone who has supported. The money raised will make a real difference to those cared for at the hospital now, and those who may need us in the future.”

To sponsor Nathan, visit his online sponsorship page. To order a rainbow t-shirt, please visit Tara’s Facebook page.

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