A Scottish boy took on the challenge of running 100 miles to help raise money for his sibling’s first wheelchair.
Theo Hardie’s little brother Jude was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and has undergone a series of operations.
Although healthy, Jude has limited use of his legs.
STV NewsWhen he was five, Theo challenged himself to cycle 100 miles to and from nursery to raise money for the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus charity.
He set out to raise £1,000 for the charity but quickly smashed that target, raising a total of £2,043.
After his success, Theo told his mum he wanted to raise funds to buy Jude a wheelchair by challenging himself to run 100 miles.
“I felt bad because he didn’t get to join in on as much stuff, so I thought, I’ll go for that wheelchair to have fun,” Theo told STV News.
STV NewsTheo and Jude’s mum, Taylor Hardie, said the wheelchair has had a “massive impact” on Jude.
“It’s great just seeing him in the garden playing, and he’s able to have so much independence,” she said.
Theo says that Jude having a wheelchair means they can always be together.
“It will mean that I can just have him next to me at all times. I cannot be afraid and I can always just be with Jude and not be alone,” he added.
STV NewsDad Craig said: “Theo’s always been really supportive of Jude, but when he said he wanted to do more it was amazing to see”.
The seven-year-old is now back on his bike, raising money to buy Jude a trike so they can go out together.
Theo is also being honoured at the Pride of Scotland awards this year, something his parents say is well deserved.
“At such a young age, we’re so delighted and proud,” said Taylor.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him get that achievement because I think he really deserves it, he’s been such a good big brother and gone that extra mile,” Craig added.
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