Clarets fan (9) completes 100km charity run on Christmas Day - raising a staggering £126,000 for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital

While most youngsters were busy unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, schoolboy Freddie Xavi was pounding the streets of Whalley to complete the final leg of his 100km running challenge.
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A pupil of Whalley Primary School, Freddie has been running 2km every day since November 6th in a bid to hit his 62-mile goal to raise as much money as possible for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where his best pal Hughie Higginson is receiving treatment for leukaemia.

His fundraising target was a modest £1,000, however, he has smashed that figure raising an incredible £126,000 - and donations continue to pour in!

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Ten-year-old Hughie, who is a pupil at Wheatley Lane Primary School, Fence, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September, and faces three-and-a-half years of treatment at RMCH.

Freddie Xavi running on Christmas Day.  Picture by Daria NeklesaFreddie Xavi running on Christmas Day.  Picture by Daria Neklesa
Freddie Xavi running on Christmas Day. Picture by Daria Neklesa

On Friday, Hughie set his friend off on the final leg before joining him crossing the finish line for the last time. Despite the freezing temperatures, the boys completed the challenge cheered on by family, friends and well-wishers.

Hughie's dad, Keiron Higginson, said: "Freddie is the most amazing inspirational friend Hughie could ever wish for. What you have achieved will help so many kids and their families get through some of the toughest days in their lives. When Hughie ran across the line that was the first time he had run since July."

Freddie's mum Sarah expressed her joy. Taking to Twitter, the proud mother posted: "He's done it! 100km in 50 days and over £100,000 raised for RMCH charity- absolutely incredible and so proud of the boys. Merry Christmas and thank you everyone for your support."

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