Our youngest fundraiser yet has stepped up and pledged to take the plunge for our hospice appeal.

Seven-year-old Lewis Ashton, from the Garlands, Clifton, is going to do a sponsored swim to raise money for St Leonard's Hospice.

His granddad Richard Hardcastle said that it was all Lewis' idea.

"We read about the appeal in the Evening Press and Lewis said he wanted to help out because he had been interested in doing something for charity. He's really keen and we didn't need to push him into it at all.

"He's a caring soul - there's just something about him that's like that."

Mr Hardcastle said that the appeal had struck a chord with the family when they learned that a friend had been admitted to the Tadcaster Road hospice.

"You can tell they do a very good job there," he said.

Lewis, who attends Rawcliffe Infants School, swims every Saturday morning at St John's swimming pool in Lord Mayor's Walk. Although he has only been swimming for a year, he hopes to do a minimum of ten lengths.

But his granddad feels he is capable of doing at least 20.

Janet Morley, fundraising organiser at St Leonard's praised Lewis' efforts.

"It is wonderful that, quite unprompted, Lewis thought of fundraising for the hospice. It's very encouraging to see young people thinking of others.

"It is also very appropriate, as part of the development plan for the hospice includes facilities for visiting children.

"The hospice, after all, is about caring for whole families alongside the patient."

If you would like to sponsor Lewis for the hospice appeal, contact Mr Hardcastle on 01904 620282.

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