A five-year-old boy named Rory Chapman from Salford is gearing up for a big challenge. He wants to help dogs with poorly legs and no homes. Rory is set to take on the Lidl Mudder, a one-mile obstacle course designed for children aged five to twelve.
His mother, Jennifer, shared that Rory has been practicing on monkey bars to prepare for the event. He dreams of earning a Blue Peter badge one day. Rory is using this opportunity to raise funds for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.
Joining him is his older cousin, Noah Smith, who is also raising money for a different charity called Cash for Kids. Jennifer, who has fond memories of visiting Bleakholt in her youth, said, "Rory has always been a very active little boy. When I asked him about supporting a charity, he immediately wanted to help the dogs with poorly legs."
Gemma Atkinson, a Bury-born TV star and president of Bleakholt, has generously donated to Rory's fundraising page, which has already raised nearly £2,500. Gemma expressed her admiration for Rory's efforts, saying, "Hearing that little Rory was doing a Tough Mudder at just five is brilliant and heart-warming."
After Gemma shared Rory's page on Instagram, donations poured in, helping him surpass his initial £100 goal. Jennifer mentioned that Rory was thrilled to see the support and asked how many animals he could help with the extra funds.
Rory is counting down the days until the event and is eating plenty of vegetables to prepare. After the challenge, his mother plans to take him to Bleakholt so he can show them his medal and see the animals he is helping. However, she knows he might want to bring all the animals home!
Rory's dad, Christopher, will also be participating in the adult Tough Mudder course before Rory's turn on Saturday, October 19, at Chamanly Castle in Cheshire.