Champion Charlie!

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Seven year-old's epic bike ride raises thousands for Haiti

So this weekend, Charlie is setting out to cycle seven times around Fulham's South Park, covering a distance of around five miles.

Charlie originally aimed to raise £500 for UNICEF’s Haiti Earthquake Children’s Appeal - but news of his heroic ride has spread and he has already raised almost £7,000!

The funds will go to help UNICEF’s work in Haiti where they are leading emergency relief clusters on Water and Sanitation, Education and Nutrition as well as supporting on child protection.

On his JustGiving page Charlie says: "I want to do a Sponsored Bike Ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have lost their lives.

" I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti. I am going to cycle around South Park as many times as possible.

"Please can you sponsor me and all your money will go to UNICEF who are collecting for Haiti."

Messages from supporters include comments like "A true inspiration", "Great idea little man" and "Well done Charlie - that is a fantastic effort."

UNICEF UK Executive Director David Bull says: "This is a very bold and innovative gesture by Charlie that shows he connects with and not only understands what children his own age must be going through in Haiti but is also wise enough to know that he can help them.

"The little seed – his idea - that he has planted has grown rapidly and his is a place well deserved in the humanitarian world.

"On behalf on the many children in Haiti, I thank Charlie for his effort."

UNICEF does not receive money from the DEC nor from the UN budget, and relies on voluntary donations.

January 23, 2010