Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Blondie

One Way or Another

Listen Live

Harrogate boy raises £3,400 to support classmate with Leukemia

Friday, 28 February 2025 10:04

Rocco Leek completed the final leg of his 28-mile fundraising campaign for Eva (pictured) today.

An 8-year-old boy from Harrogate has raised more than £3,400 to support a school friend who was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Throughout February, Rocco Leek vowed to run 1 mile every day to fundraise for Candlelighters - a charity that supports children with cancer and their families.

Rocco decided to take on the challenge to support Pannal Primary classmate Eva, who received her Leukemia diagnosis at the age of just 9.

He’s been chipping away at his 28-mile goal every day alongside his mum, dad and brother Freddie.

Rocco’s mum, Carrie, said:

“Rocco absolutely hates when anyone is poorly or sad and was really upset with the news that Eva would have to spend lots of time in hospital.

“He decided he wanted to run a marathon to raise some money to help her feel better, so we decided to split it over the month of February, so he would run 28 miles - 1 mile every day.”

His initial aim was to raise enough money to buy Barbie dolls for Eva to play with whilst she’s in hospital.

But he’s now raised more than six times his initial target of £500.

Rocco completed the final leg of his challenge today (Friday) at Pannal Sports Community Ground, greeted by his friends, family and supporters.

Carrie said:

“We’re so proud of his dedication to the challenge - he’s done every single day without fail and absolutely zero complaints even in the coldest and wettest of conditions and even when full of cold at the beginning of February!

“Rocco’s older brother Freddie has also been a great support and running partner throughout.”

Would you like to contribute towards Rocco’s campaign? Find his JustGiving page here.

More from Local News

Harrogate Brewing Co celebrates first anniversary on Royal Parade

Harrogate Brewing Co is celebrating its first anniversary after a year of trading on Royal Parade.
Lightwater Valley set to introduce another new attraction

Lightwater Valley has hinted that another new attraction could be on the way, days after launching a new rollercoaster.
Harrogate to host new event for book lovers this weekend

A brand new literary event is set to arrive in Harrogate this weekend, bringing together authors, readers and industry professionals for a celebration of genre fiction.
Harrogate MP calls for crackdown on 'effectively decriminalised' phone thefts

Harrogate MP Tom Gordon has called for urgent action to tackle phone theft after new figures revealed fewer than 5% of cases led to charges in North Yorkshire.
Harrogate disability charity launches fundraising drive for new centre

A Harrogate charity supporting young people and adults with complex disabilities is appealing for donations as it prepares to move into a new, purpose-fit space.
Harrogate GP set to be elected town's new Mayor

A Harrogate GP is set to become the town’s next mayor, with Viv Poskitt expected to be formally elected for the 2026/27 civic year.
Harrogate's Ibiza Symphonica drops Scott Mills from lineup

Harrogate's Ibiza Symphonica event has announced it will move forward without broadcaster Scott Mills.
'Inspirational' schoolgirl donates hair to help children in need

An inspirational local schoolgirl has donated her hair to charity after reading about a girl who couldn’t grow her own.
Harrogate dog lovers invited to volunteer as puppy trainers

Harrogate dog lovers are invited to discover how they could make a life-changing difference as a volunteer puppy trainer.
Police appeal after Harrogate man assaulted at home

North Yorkshire Police have launched an appeal after a Harrogate man was assaulted and verbally abused at home.
Morrisons opens 'Asian Corner' at Harrogate store

Morrisons has officially launched an 'Asian Corner' at its Starbeck store.
New ward-based library introduced at Harrogate Hospital

A new ward-based library has been introduced for patients at Harrogate and District Hospital.
Harrogate care home donates £1,000 to charity battling loneliness

A Harrogate care home has donated £1,000 to a local charity supporting older people at risk of loneliness and isolation across the region.
Builders unearth medieval well in Ripon city centre

A medieval well believed to date back hundreds of years has been uncovered in Ripon city centre.
Knaresborough teacher to run London Marathon in aid of Henshaws

A teacher from Knaresborough is set to take on the London Marathon later this month in support of a local charity.
Drugs seized and two arrested in Knaresborough

Two people are in custody after police executed simultaneous drugs warrants in Knaresborough yesterday (Tuesday).
Spiegeltent returns to Harrogate for summer extravaganza

It's back, and it's set to be bigger than ever.
Starbeck festival set to return for third year

A popular free-to-attend festival is set to return to Starbeck this summer.
Police appeal to locate Harrogate fuel thief

Police have released a CCTV image of a man following a fuel theft on Leeds Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP set to take on London Marathon in aid of colitis charity

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is preparing to take part in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for Crohn's & Colitis UK.