The brave boy who was badly scarred in a car accident but ran two marathons in lockdown to help other people
Charlie Graver has completed the equivalent of two marathons by running every day in June to chip away at the distance.
By the time he finished, he had clocked up 87 kilometres and raised £7403 for the Changing Faces charity which helps and supports people with a visible difference.
It is a cause which is close to Charlie’s heart because he suffered broken cheek bones, a broken nose and lost a lot of skin from his nose and forehead after the accident in 2015.
Charlie was only four years old when the heroic youngster needed emergency surgery.
It hasn't always been easy for him to have a ‘visible difference’, said his mum Kimberley, 34, who is married to Michael, 39. Charlie’s siblings are Harley Allan, 15, and Lucy, 13.
But Kimberley added: “Charlie’s dedication to the challenge has been inspiring.
“He ran not one but two marathons throughout June which is quite a challenge for an 8 year old!
“Never once did he complain. He just put on his trainers and started pounding those pavements. It has been an absolute pleasure running with him and coaching him along the way. I could burst with pride.”
Kimberley added: “Charlie is such a kind and thoughtful little soul and by doing this challenge he has raised a phenomenal amount of money for Changing Faces.”
“Everyday we ran a different route which we planned out each day. We ran around the local area in Chester-le-Street. Around the housing estates, in the woods and down Chester riverside park.”
Charlie was in hospital at the RVI in Newcastle for seven days after the accident. He lost cartilage from his nose but he can’t have reconstruction surgery until he is older.
But he still lives life to the full and loves both football and ju jitsu. He is also an amazing fundraiser.
Charlie was also shortlisted in this year’s Best of Wearside Awards until the ceremony was cancelled because of the coronavirus.
Becky Hewitt, chief executive of Changing Faces, said: “The team here at Changing Faces has been cheering on Charlie during his double marathon charity running challenge. He’s an absolute superstar!
“Thanks to Charlie’s incredible fundraising efforts more people with visible differences like marks, scars and skin conditions will be able to get the support they need to live the lives they want. Seeing Charlie out there in his Changing Faces running vest, making a difference is just brilliant.”
Anyone wanting to back Charlie’s amazing efforts should visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charliegraver
This is not Charlie’s first fundraiser either.
This incredible boy braved all the odds to run the Mini Great North Run last year and set a fundraising target of £500. He smashed the total and raised £3845 for the Changing Faces charity.