Six-year-old boy runs 5K every day to help 'children who don't have food'

A six-year-old boy from South Shields is running 5K every day of November to raise money for a local food bank.
Jacob Hopper in actionJacob Hopper in action
Jacob Hopper in action

Jacob Hopper, 6 is running 5K every day of November to raise money for Hebburn Helps and Westoe Crown Primary School Family Hardship fund after deciding he wanted to help children less fortunate.

The young fundraiser set his heart on raising money after hearing Marcus Rashford campaigning for an extension on free school meals.

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Proud dad, David Hopper said: “It was during half term that Jacob heard Marcus Rashford on the news and asked me, what does that mean? Do children not have food?

Jacob Hopper in actionJacob Hopper in action
Jacob Hopper in action

"I replied by explaining that there is less fortunate children that might only get one meal a day and when they’re not in school they might not get that meal.

"He asked what he could do to help these people and decided that he would run everyday to raise money."

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The six-year-old runs 5km everyday after school around the local area and has completed 19 runs so far.

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David added: “I am so proud of him, it’s really touched my heart because he really feels for these children and has set his heart on helping them.

“It’s really opened my eyes as it’s made me think, can more be done? It’s food for thought because we can all help people in our own ways.”

Jacob hopes the money raised will also help children have a happy Christmas by going towards Christmas presents.

His dad said: "I never thought we would ever do anything like this, we couldn’t be more proud of him.”

You can donate to Jacob’s fund here.

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