Report & Picture by Michael Berry
FAIRY fundraiser David Smithson, 73, from Culcheth completed his fundraising run around the village raising £2,200 for the Whizz Kidz charity.
His charity run, which was taking place to make up for missing out on this year’s London Marathon due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he started on Lodge Drive in the centre of the village before heading up Wellfield Road and on to Twiss Green Lane.
Dressed in his Whizz Kidz fairy costume, David then ran up to Hob Hey Lane in a circular route waving to passers-by and drivers as he went.
Those who were out walking in the sunshine donated money to David for his fundraising efforts. A resident on Twiss Green Lane had made a water station for him which had a balloon and small chair with bottles of water on it.
Another resident on Common Lane also made a water station for him with the union flag a picture of the fairy outfit, a notice with the RAF crest and the message Fairy Fuel plus RAF march past music playing. Upon completing the three laps, he jogged back to Lodge drive where his charity fundraising run ended.
“It was wonderful to see so many people at the finish line. It was tiring but the response was brilliant.
“With today’s money, we are at £2200 raised for the Whizz Kidz charity, which is amazing.
“Over £200 was raised during the run through Culcheth.”
David aims to continue running for the charity in the future and ensure that more young people have the opportunity to have mobility.
“In the next 12 months, I want to raise as much money as possible so that more wheelchairs can be given to young people.”
The London marathon has been a personal one for David and has been ever thankful for the support from members of the public with donations and wonderful comments.
“A big thank you to everyone who has backed me during the marathon.”
In 2021, he will continue his charity efforts for Whizz Kidz with another run on the 3rd, October.
He will also be out running in the fairy outfit until the marathon in London takes place.
