(Image: Supplied)
A seven-year-old boy from York will scale England’s highest mountain to raise money for his football team.
Isaac Harding will climb Scafell Pike on Friday, September 18, raising funds for Haxby Town Football Club’s under eights team.
Isaac, from Haxby and the team’s goalkeeper, will be joined by his father, Matt Harding, 35, and uncle, Stuart Harding, 38, for the challenge.
Isaac will climb Scafell Pike on Friday, September 18
(Image: Pixabay)
Matt said the idea came from Stuart who suggested climbing Scafell Pike, which stands at 978 metres (3,209 feet) above sea level, to Isaac while on a family holiday in the Lake District.
Isaac, a Ralph Butterfield Primary School student, agreed to take on the challenge which will be his toughest to date.
'Everyone is wishing him good luck' - Isaac in action as the goal keeper for Haxby Town FC's under eights team
(Image: Supplied)
Stuart, from Forres in the north of Scotland, will travel down to the Lake District to join Isaac and Matt for the challenge.
Matt said Isaac got a “really positive reaction” from the team after announcing the fundraiser, with the players chipping in to already raise £595 of the £700 target.
“Everyone is behind him,” he said. “Everyone is wishing him good luck.”
Isaac will take on the challenge with his dad Matt
(Image: Supplied)
Matt said the hike will be a chance for Isaac to “get out of his comfort zone”.
But Matt, a former Royal Marine who retired from the forces three years ago, added: “It should be alright.”
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Isaac has been cycling, walking and playing football to prepare for the challenge.
“He’s a fit lad so it should be OK,” Matt said. “I’m proud of him for wanting to try it.
“He knows it’s going to be a challenge, but he’s not bothered … It’s nice to see him do that.”
'I'm excited to give it my very best'
Isaac said: “I'm doing this to raise money for my football team, Haxby Town FC, so we can buy new kits and training equipment.
“Football is something I absolutely love, and my team has given me so many great memories, friendships, and opportunities to learn and grow.
“Climbing Scafell Pike won't be easy, but I'm excited to give it my very best. Every step I take will be for my teammates and our club.
“Any donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference and help provide the equipment our team needs to keep enjoying football and developing our skills.
“Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and generosity.
“Please consider donating and sharing this page with your friends and family – it really does mean the world to me and everyone at Haxby Town FC.”
To support the fundraiser, visit Isaac's GoFundMe page: "Help Isaac Climb England's Highest Mountain for Haxby Town FC."