Bristol City fan raises £851 for Children’s Hospice South West

A football-mad youngster organised a series of fundraising events to raise money to buy equipment for the children’s hospice that supports his brother.

Max Reeves raised £851 for Children’s Hospice South West to buy sporting equipment to be used by other families at the charity’s Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall.

The 10-year-old organised a bake sale, a soak-the-teacher stunt, a penalty shoot out and a non-school uniform day at his school in Bristol. The young Bristol City fan has been a regular visitor to Charlton Farm for the last six years with his younger brother Austin who has Dravet syndrome.

Austin, eight, had his first seizure when he was six months old, being diagnosed with the condition a year later. He also suffers with a respiratory condition and has limited mobility, relying on a wheelchair to help him get around and has endured six separate admissions to intensive care as a result of his seizures.

It was during a visit to Charlton Farm with his brother that Max noticed the football nets in the grounds were broken – spurring him on to fundraise and buy new ones.

Max said: “Children’s Hospice South West has helped us so much as a family and I wanted to do something to say thank you for that support.

“When I saw the football goals were broken, I thought I would raise the money to buy new ones as I always enjoy playing in the garden when we visit.”

As well as the football goals, Max’s fundraising has also allowed the team to buy items including footballs, swimming vests, footballs and gloves and even an underwater camera.

Mum Zoe, 33 said: “Austin is just amazing. He is such a resilient young boy who is on the go all the time – he’s like a Duracell bunny.

“Coming to Charlton Farm for a resilience stay gives me a desperately needed break and allows me to recharge my batteries. The care team is incredible and all know Austin so well and the sibling team is phenomenal with Max.

“It’s a big thing handing over the care of your child, but at Charlton Farm I know the team will look after him with so much love and professionalism that I can relax and not have to worry.”

Zoe added: “I am super proud of Max and he’s worked so hard to raise all the money. The equipment will be enjoyed by other families like us during their stays at Charlton Farm.”

Charlton Farm Senior Team Leader Helen Broadbent said: “This is such an incredible achievement and kindness shown by Max fundraising for the sport equipment-enabling fun and enjoyment to be had by all siblings who come to Charlton Farm.”