Boy 'smashed' gruelling walk in aid of cousin

A young football fan has completed a gruelling 19-mile sponsored trek between the stadiums of rivals Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

Harry Archer, eight, completed the walk from Pride Park in Derby, to the City Ground in Nottingham to raise money for research into a rare condition that affects his younger cousin.

Three-year-old Ruby Wren Marshall has Pearson Syndrome, which means her body's cells do not produce energy properly.

Harry wanted to raise £850, but smashed his target by securing £2,400 in sponsorship.

Online donations to a JustGiving page included one with the message: "Well done young man. Cloughie [former Derby and Nottingham manager Brian Clough] would've been very proud of you."

Harry's parents Chris and Steph posted: "We are so very proud of you Harry! You never complained, you just got your head down and smashed it!"

The Nottingham Forest fan, who plays football for Borrowash Youth FC, took eight hours to complete his trek.

He said: "Let's hope this can help Ruby. I’m thankful to everyone who gave money."

The money raised will go to the Lily Foundation, which funds research into mitochondrial diseases, which currently have no cure.

Ruby, who lives in Lancaster, was diagnosed when she was aged just one.

She was born perfectly healthy but began suffering from anaemia at six months.

Pearson Syndrome can affect the pancreas, liver, kidneys, eyes, ears, heart and brain.

Harry's fundraising efforts saw him win an award from the Ockash Trust – a charity that helps young people in Ockbrook and Borrowash.

Fellow Borrowash Youth FC Lions team-mate Leo Osborne was also presented with a certificate by the charity, for helping to coach the club's under-sixes development group.

The club has also received a grant from Erewash Borough Council to get more youngsters playing football.

The authority's deputy leader, Councillor Becca Everett, said: "We are proud to help support Borrowash Youth FC, especially in light of the inspirational youngsters it counts among its players.

“Harry and Leo are shining examples of how children in our borough can be role models to other young people."

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