A seven-year-old boy has walked and scooted 102 miles in memory of his great-grandad.
Teddy Bridle, from New Milton, raised funds for the Macmillan Unit hospice in Christchurch after losing Bernard Brayer, who he affectionately called Gaga, to pancreatic cancer earlier this year in January.
Teddy’s mum, Emily, said: “When he was first told that Gaga was poorly, Teddy’s immediate response was wanting to raise money to help him get better.
“Sadly, that wasn’t possible, but Teddy said he still wanted to raise money and turned his love for his Gaga into something truly special.”
The challenge began after Emily joined a charity walk in April with her Nationwide colleagues in New Milton in support of Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity that funds the Macmillan Unit.
Inspired by the effort, Teddy set up a JustGiving page in May and asked for £1 sponsorship per mile.
He covered the distance by walking, running, and riding his scooter, often alongside his younger brothers, Billy, five, and Oliver, two.
Emily said: “He set out with a target of 50 miles and £50, so he did an incredible job. He put his whole heart into every mile. During some of the walks we talked about Gaga and had some deeply touching conversations about death and loss and how our loved ones live on in our memories. I have been so impressed by how Teddy has navigated all of this. Children have a unique innocent and honest viewpoint about death which we could all learn from.”
She said Gaga was cared for at home by the family in his final days, but the Macmillan Unit inspired them through its support of others in similar situations.
Teddy, who attends Brockenhurst Primary School, said: “If I can help save or support another person’s Gaga, I will scoot forever and ever. I miss him every day.”
Barry Wilson, fundraising and media manager for Macmillan Caring Locally, described Teddy’s efforts as deeply moving and said the funds raised would directly support people using their services.
He said: “We are immensely grateful to him and his family for fundraising to support the Macmillan Unit.”
