Stevenage four-year-old ‘overwhelmed’ by support for her triathlon challenge in aid of Save the Children
Erica crossed the finish line, raising more than £1,600 for charity. Picture: Kat Buckingham. - Credit: Archant
A compassionate four-year-old girl who took part in a triathlon to raise money for refugees has been overwhelmed by the support she has received.
Erica ran 3km in Hampson Park as part of a triathlon for Save the Children. Picture: Kat Buckingham. - Credit: Archant
Erica Buckingham – a pupil at Lodge Farm Primary School in Stevenage – was deeply affected by an episode of Apple Tree House on CBeebies, which focussed on children living on an inner city council estate collecting clothes for refugees.
She was concerned about children having to live in tents and, after speaking to her parents about what she could do to help, she decided to take action by raising money for Save the Children.
On Friday, she took part in her own triathlon in Stevenage, where she lives, and ran 3km in Hampson Park, scooted 3km around Fairlands Valley Park and swam 100 metres.
Her mum, Kat, said: “She did really well. She ran most of the 3km, but walked a little bit, and her swimming was the best she’s ever done – she pulled it out of the bag for the charity.
Erica scooted 3km around Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage. Picture: Kat Buckingham. - Credit: Archant
“There were lots of people in Fairlands Valley Park cheering her on and we made her a finishing line.”
Erica, who has raised more than £1,600 for the children’s charity, had her fundraising efforts highlighted on the Stevenage Comet’s front page last week.
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Kat said: “She was so proud of herself and, thanks to the Comet article, she has had lots more donations.
“It’s way over our expectations and she wants to say ‘thank you’ very much to everyone who donated. She’s overwhelmed.
Erica Buckingham swam 100 metres as part of her challenge. Picture: Kat Buckingham. - Credit: Archant
“She keeps asking how many blankets and how much food the money will be able to buy, because she doesn’t really understand the value of money, and I’ve told her ‘lots’.
“We are so proud.”
Erica said: “I live in a house. I want to help kids who have to live in tents because they have lost their homes, and I want them to be safe and happy.”
If you would like to add to Erica’s fundraising total, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EricaBuckingham.
Save the Children is an international non-governmental organisation that promotes children’s rights, provides relief, and helps support children in developing countries.
For more about the children’s charity, visit www.savethechildren.org.uk.
