Six-year-old Stanley steps up for his local hospital in London Winter Walk

A six-year-old schoolboy who has been in and out of St Helier Hospital since he was a baby is taking on a sponsored walk to show his gratitude to the doctors, nurses and midwives who have been there for him during times of need.

Young Stanley has been under the care of various departments at the hospital over the years and will be taking on the London Winter Walk for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity this weekend to “say thank you to where I was born”.

While he doesn’t remember much about his hospital visits, Stanley’s family have praised the great care he has received.

Mum Maeve said: “We had the most amazing maternity after care, particularly from Midwife Colette. We also had a wonderful Paediatrician at St Helier and Stanley still treasures the hospital bear given to him in Casey Ward.”

Now, just weeks after he and schoolmates sang carols to raise funds for the charity, Stanley is extremely excited for his latest challenge – saying he wants to complete it “with epicness.”

And when asked what advice he’d give to other children thinking about fundraising, the six-year-old said: “Just do it.”

Maeve added: “Seeing how excited he gets when someone donates is wonderful.

“Even at six, he understands how important it is to support our hospitals, especially when we hear about cuts to funding. His desire to help is something his Dad and I will always encourage.”

Molly Simpson, Head of Charity at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity said: “We are so grateful to Stanley for taking on the London Winter Walk and hope he inspires others to get involved in a fundraising challenge this year.”

You can donate to support Stanley’s fundraising efforts by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stanleyhughes-1

Or if you are feeling inspired and looking to take on a challenge in 2025, browse our upcoming events at: https://www.esthcharity.org.uk/events/