Charlie's fundraising takes flight in Whitby

Charlie Mann, 9, who lives on Mount Pleasant in Whitby, initially decided to sell his favourite baby pigeon at an online auction organised by local pigeon fanciers.

The pigeon raised £30, but Charlie wanted more. He said to mum, Lyndsay Mann: “ £30 isn’t a lot of money mum, can I give my Easter money as well, and are there any jobs I can do?”

He cut the neighbours grass and they gave him £10 which he put straight into his fundraising pot. He’s now talking about baking fairy cakes to deliver to local NHS workers.

Lyndsay, 36, said she is unbelievably proud of her son. She said: “The pigeon that he donated was his absolute favourite. He took the pigeon out of the loft and said they can have this one.

Charlie has been following pigeon racing with his dad, builder Stewart Mann, 38, since he was small and began training the birds himself this year.

It is yet another hobby that has been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Lyndsay said she doubts there will be any racing this year.

It hasn’t stopped Charlie starting to train the birds. The initial steps, where birds begin by flying across the allotment are still able to go ahead.

Charlie said he has been inspired by the bravery of those working for the NHS: “They’re doing everything for the people that have got coronavirus and they’re helping loads and loads of people stay fit and healthy. They’re local heroes.

“The NHS work harder than me and they deserve it more than me!”

Alongside family donations, Charlie has now raised £110.

If you would like to contribute to Charlie’s fundraiser contact Lyndsay by emailing [email protected]

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