A FOOTBALL mad youngster’s charity fundraising cycle ride has earned praise from Manchester United captain and England star Harry Maguire.
Nine-year-old Alfie Metcalfe, from Evenwood, raised £1,385 for a scheme providing meals to the vulnerable and key workers, by going on a ten-mile bicycle ride
The youngster was inspired to do his own fundraiser after his dad Scott’s company, Tree Top Joinery, gave cash to Kim’s Kitchen.
Led by caterer Kim Clark, Kim’s Kitchen has made more than 7,700 meals for NHS workers and the elderly.
Ms Clark said: “He is football crazy, but he is quite a shy young man. For him to come up with it, his mum and dad were dumbfounded.”
The ten-mile route saw the Evenwood Primary School pupil cycle from Evenwood through Ramshaw, West Auckland and St Helen Auckland, accompanied by his dad.
Mr Metcalfe said: “I was tired at the end – he looked better than me at the end.”
Ms Clark added: “He felt like a little celebrity. There were loads of people all around the route to cheer him on.”
Tony McMahon, a footballer from the Gaunless Valley, used his contacts to arrange for the Manchester United captain to make a video message congratulating Alfie on his achievement.
In the video the Premier League star said: “Hi Alfie, it is Harry Maguire here. I just want to say a quick well done on your ten-mile bike ride and all the money you have raised.
“You are a credit to yourself and your family can be proud. Keep up the good work.”
His dad said the youngster was gobsmacked when he saw the message for the first time. He added: “It was emotional – it was crazy. He couldn’t believe it, we couldn’t believe it.”
Ms Clark said Alfie’s effort was one of many that was helping her reach her target of cooking 10,000 meals during the coronavirus lockdown.
She said: “Honestly, it has been absolutely tremendous. I get up in the morning and there is an envelope through the door with £5 or £10 in it. I can’t tell you how much kindness there is – it is really heart-warming.
“Once we reach 10,000 meals we are going to ease off and solely concentrate on the elderly until we all get out of this crazy lockdown. Alfie’s money and all the other donations will help keep that going.”
Among the latest donations made to her scheme was £300 from Teesdale branch of the GMB Union, £250 from Barnard Castle Lions Club and £200 from builder Steven Dunn. GW Holmes Garage of Etherley gave £150.
Ms Clark said the managers of Sainsbury’s and Tesco also regularly ring up for her to collect “boot loads” of goodies.
