Ewloe boy, 9, raises over £2,000 for Countess of Chester Hospital children’s ward after 20-mile walk
A nine-year-old boy from Ewloe has raised over £2,000 for the children’s ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital after walking 20 miles along the North Wales coastal path.
Charlie Perry-Hargreaves, who has spent much of his childhood on the ward due to his asthma, walked from Prestatyn in October 2024 with the support of his mum, Vicky, in aid of The Countess Charity.
He originally set a target of £500.
Charlie said he wanted to make sure other young patients were never bored during their stays.
“I’ve been in hospital quite a lot and sometimes it can get a bit boring,” he said.
“I wanted to help buy more things for the children who have to stay in even longer than me.”
The money has been used to buy toys, games and craft supplies for the ward, including a special easel so patients can paint in bed, Lego and a wider selection of games and consoles.
Earlier this month, Charlie visited the hospital’s new Women and Children’s Building to see what his fundraising had bought and was given a tour of the new building.
“I love the new building,” he said.
“It felt amazing to see all the toys and crafts they bought.
“I’m really happy that other children will get to use them and have more things to do while they’re here.”
His mum, Vicky, said the hospital held a special place in their lives.
“Charlie has been in the children’s ward several times for his asthma and the days were long,” she said.
“He realised that some children have to stay even longer, so he wanted to make their time a little easier.
“The hospital and staff have been a big part of Charlie’s life since birth, and it means so much to us to be able to give something back.”
She said visiting the new building had been emotional.
“Seeing the toys and crafts Charlie’s fundraising has helped to buy in a space like this was really emotional and it’s lovely to think that children who come here in the years ahead will have more to do and feel a little more at home during what can be a worrying time,” she said.
“Knowing Charlie has played a small part in that means everything to us.”
Karen Flewitt, Children’s Ward Manager, said: “Charlie’s kindness and determination are already making such a wonderful difference to the children on our ward.
“A hospital stay can be difficult for young patients, especially when they’re feeling unwell or away from home, and the toys, games and crafts he has helped to fund will bring comfort and joy to so many families.
“We are incredibly grateful to Charlie for thinking of others despite his own health challenges, and it was lovely to welcome him back to show him the positive impact of his fundraising.”
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