Charlie Hits 100 for Haiti

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Amazing fund-raising achievement of seven year-old hero

Charlie originally aimed to collect £500 for UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake Children's Appeal by riding seven times around South Park - a distance of five miles.

But as news of his epic effort spread, the money poured in. Over the weekend it rose into the tens of thousands and by 2pm today it had reached £104,000 ... and counting!

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.

Astonished staff at UNICEF said they had anyone raise as much in one day. " We keep checking his Just Giving page to watch the total grow," said one.

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."

Among the latest messages from supporters on his page are "You are an inspiration to us all"; "Go go Charlie!" and "Well done Charlie - you have made it really easy to give money." Another summed up everyone's feelings - "What a little star!"

UNICEF spokesman Michael Newsome said: " There's something quite special about a child in the UK reaching out to the children of Haiti. It's quite fabulous."

Meanwhile his mum, Leonara, said simply: "I am extremely proud of our Charlie."

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

January 25, 2010