A determined Southport youngster has raised hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research UK by swimming 1,000 metres.
Austin completed the challenge after his stepdad was diagnosed with cancer
A determined Southport youngster has raised hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research UK by swimming 1,000 metres.
Austin Price, a Beaver at 58th Southport Scouts, completed his challenge during his half term holidays.
The amazing eight-year-old originally hoped to raise £200 for the charity but has now raised nearly £900.
If you would like to sponsor Austin, please visit his page - Austin’s Cancer Research Swim on the JustGiving website.
Laura Healy, the Beaver Scout Leader at the 58th Southport Scouts, said: “Austin is a young Beaver who has been working towards his Personal Challenge Badge to complete his Chief Scout Bronze Award.
“He set himself the challenge to swim 1,000 metres to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
“He found the swimming hard and nearly gave up but he persevered and kept going.
“He is such a kind, caring and resilient young man.
“We are all immensely proud of him.
“I would love to see people share his story and his funding link.”
His JustGiving page said: “Austin chose to swim 1,000m during half term to challenge himself physically and raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“His stepdad John has recently been going through some treatment for cancer so Austin wants to raise money to help others in the future who face a similar challenge.”
Laura said: “Austin started Beavers with us two years ago during lockdown.
“He is always keeping his promise to do his best and be kind and helpful to others.
“He is doing this as his family has recently been affected by cancer. He is incredibly brave.
“Myself and all the other leaders in our group are so proud of him.
“We will be very sad when he leaves the Beavers in a few weeks to continue his Scouting journey in Cubs.”
If anyone is interested in supporting local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in Southport, they are invited to get in touch.
Laura said: “We are looking for adult volunteers all over the Sefton North Scout District.
“Anyone wanting to volunteer can use this link: https://seftonnorthscouts.org.uk/volunteer-enquiry-form/
“Volunteering with the Scouts does not have to be a regular weekly thing. Volunteers can do this as little or as much as they want.
“It is so much fun and we as adults get the chance to learn news skills, make news friends and have fun just the same if not more than the young people.”