THE mother of a boy who gave a man walking the entire coast of mainland Britain £1 in Deganwy said his fundraiser challenge “left a lasting impression” on her son.
Chris Jones, from Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, said he met the boy while on his walk last November.
After the Pioneer reported yesterday (November 27) that Chris wanted to thank the boy, Michelle Dexter-Lowe got in touch to say that it was her 11-year-old son, Leo.
Leo gave Chris a pound coin, which he wanted to say thank you for, as it helped him towards his fundraising target of £100,000, which he subsequently reached, in aid of the Freemasons’ charity, the MCF.
“Leo remembers that day fondly. He’s always been curious and caring, and when he spotted Chris walking by with his charity T-shirt and big bag, he didn’t hesitate for a second.
“Without putting on shoes or socks (worried he might miss him), he ran out in his pyjamas with his pocket money to find out more and to help.
“After chatting and making his donation, he came back to us, excited to share that he’d met someone called Chris, who was walking around the UK coastline to raise money for MCF.
“This interaction sparked a family conversation about mental health, the challenges people face, and the different ways individuals find to cope.”
Leo’s aunt, who was visiting at the time, managed to find the online blog that Chris had mentioned in conversation to Leo.
Michelle said it was “lovely” to see that Chris had mentioned Leo in this.
She added: “It also left a lasting impression on Leo, who has since stepped up to his own fundraising efforts.
“Recently, he organised a fancy dress and games session at Clwb Hoci Eirias Hockey Club for Children in Need.
“With Ysgol Aberconwy setting the challenge, he raised an incredible £339.62 and was rewarded with a surprise visit from Pudsey himself!
“Leo’s meeting with Chris has helped him to understand not only the importance of kindness and community but also that he isn’t alone in navigating his own emotions as he grows.
“He was delighted to hear today that Chris had not only completed his challenge, but had raised £100,000.”
Chris told the Pioneer: "It was November last year when this young man in his Minecraft top ran after me in the street to give me a pound coin.
“I wanted him to know how grateful I was for his donation.
"I felt he deserved to know that he had helped me towards my fundraising target of £100,000 to support the charity that not only saved my life when I was contemplating suicide, but is able to go on doing the same thing for others every day, thanks to the generosity of people like him."
“His donation was one of the seven pound coins given to me by children on my travels, all of which have been given to the Freemasons’ charity the MCF.
"The charity put me in touch with a counselling service when I was at my lowest ebb, and thanks to them I’m here today.”
Chris started his walk in Skegness on New Year's Day in 2023, and has walked almost 6,300 miles since then.
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