A FOUR-year-old girl is set to become one of the youngest fundraisers for a hospice after being inspired by her father’s determination to raise money for charity.
Indi Calvert, of Northallerton, will take on the 1.5km York Mini Run on Sunday, fulfilling an ambition to be awarded a medal that she has expressed since she was just two.
TRAINING: Indi Calvert, running with her father, Andrew
Her mother, Katy, said the youngster had repeatedly asked to take part in athletic events after watching her builder father Andrew compete in many, including triathlons and Ironman competitions.
Mrs Calvert, who has worked as an aromatherapist at Butterwick Hospice in Stockton for ten years, said her daughter had been on training runs and climbing hills to prepare for the event, but had yet to run the race distance in one go.
She said: “Indi wanted to do a run to be like her Daddy doing all his races. She turned four in May, so we said she was old enough to take part in a run.”
The event is organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All and will take place alongside the Asda Foundation York 10k.
FUNDRAISERS: Indi Calvert and her family
Indi has also been inspired by her mother’s efforts last year in raising £1,000 towards sound equipment for treatment rooms at the hospice, which provides specialist pain relief and symptom control, respite, day, home and end of life care to residents in Teesside, County Durham, North Yorkshire and Wearside.
Mrs Calvert added: “Indi wanted to help the hospice as she has met some patients and wanted to help look after them. She’s already raised £280. She is very excited to be running her first official race and can’t wait to win a medal of her own.”
A Butterwick Hospice spokeswoman said: “We are all very proud of Indi and wish her all the luck in the world in her first big race.
“We know she has been training hard with her Dad so it should all go very smoothly for her and we look forward to congratulating her on winning her medal when she visits the hospice to share her achievements and show our patients, staff and volunteers her medal.”
To sponsor Katy, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Katherine-calvert1
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