SALT OF THE EARTH: Meet Harry Brown, the inspirational Scarborough nine-year-old raising money for Cancer Research

In our seventh Salt of the Earth we meet Harry Brown, a young man on a mission to help others.
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The charismatic nine-year-old has been running laps of Newby and Scalby Primary School playground with the intention of completing a mammoth 30 miles during the month of February.

The school’s playground is marked out with a circuit which, when done 15 times, means you have completed one mile. Harry confidently assured The Scarborough News that so far this month he has done this 25 times and there is clearly no doubt in his mind that he will complete all 30 miles.

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Harry, whose younger brothers Charlie and Freddie also go to the school, said: “I normally do it at lunch when I’m bored and I wanted to do it for Cancer Research because my Grandad died of it.”

Harry in the playground at Newby & Scalby Primary SchoolHarry in the playground at Newby & Scalby Primary School
Harry in the playground at Newby & Scalby Primary School

Julie Castleton, an advanced teaching assistant at the school, said: “Harry’s always running around. I think what he’s doing is amazing.”

Harry’s proud mother, Hayley Brown, said: “Unbeknown to me Harry announced to his class at school that he was running 30 miles in February to raise money for Cancer Research. He said he didn’t want anyone else to go through the pain that he’s been through.”

Harry bravely stood in front of his class to explain that he was running to raise money in memory of his grandfather, David Brown, who sadly passed away in July 2019.

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Mum Hayley, who works for the family business, EMCE Building Services - the company founded by David, said: “His teacher asked him to tell his class what he was doing and why. He got upset in front of class but because of his bravery he received a headteacher’s award and then told the assembly too.”

Harry has been completing the circuit every day to raise money for Cancel ResearchHarry has been completing the circuit every day to raise money for Cancel Research
Harry has been completing the circuit every day to raise money for Cancel Research

As a result of this Harry has inspired his friends and younger brother Charlie to join him for some of his running. He also came home with a box full of coins donated by his classmates.

Hayley said Harry’s peer group had been incredibly supportive: “His friends decided to bring in their pocket money to give to him. One mum even messaged me to say that her son had taken money out of his own moneybox to give to him.”

This led to Harry asking his mum to set up a Just Giving page for him which raised over £400 on the first day, easily surpassing the target set. Hayley said: “The target was originally £100, but he has now made over £900. It’s testament to what people thought of his grandad.”

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When asked how he was feeling, Harry turned on his winning smile and said: “Grateful for all the donations and really tired!

Harry at the start of the mile trackHarry at the start of the mile track
Harry at the start of the mile track

“My friends have helped me and lots of people have given me money and sponsored me to help me.”

Harry even managed to persuade his aunt, Tracy Winter, to take a sponsor form into Janine’s Hair Studio at Cayton where she works. His fundraising is not finished yet!

Harry, who swims seven hours a week and is a member of the Kingfishers Swimming Club, said: “I’m quite proud of what I’ve done and I’m always asking my family to look on the JustGiving page to see how it is going.”

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Hayley said: “Harry is an inspiration to us all. We are so proud that totally off his own back he has decided to do this and he really hopes his contributions will help. A dinner lady at school informed me that no matter what the weather has been he can be seen running laps. We are super proud of his commitment.”

Harry Brown with proud mum, Hayley.Harry Brown with proud mum, Hayley.
Harry Brown with proud mum, Hayley.

If you would like to sponsor Harry his JustGiving page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harry-brown19If you know someone who is Salt of the Earth why not tell us about them by emailing [email protected]?

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