Whitworth boy walking 20km to help people in need this Christmas

Leo Poulter

A little boy from Whitworth with severe sight impairment is hoping to spread some Christmas cheer to those in need by walking a massive distance in return for Christmas goods.

Leo Poulter, seven, is aiming to walk at least 20k this month. In lieu of cash donations, he has requested that anyone wishing to sponsor him donate Christmas treats to the Whitworth Lighthouse, which helps people in need.

Also known as the Lighthouse Community Foodshare, the Whitworth Lighthouse is a non-profit organisation which provides food parcels of all the basics people need to help feed their families.
 

Read more: New Foodshare initiative opens in Whitworth to help feed families in needPublished: 08 October 2020

Mince pies, selection boxes, Christmas puddings and savoury snacks are all welcome so the Lighthouse can create hampers for struggling families so they can have a Christmas treat.

Leo’s mum, Samantha, said: “Leo set himself a challenge to walk at least 20km. As he is seven and registered severely sight impaired, he needed a realistic goal. In return, he would like people to sponsor him by donated Christmas food for the Lighthouse.”

Last year, kind-hearted Leo collected selection boxes for the Women of Whitworth Project, and helped distribute Christmas presents. In the summer, he spread some sunny cheer to local residents by giving away free sunflowers and celebrated his fifth birthday by raising £300 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association with his older brother, who is also severely sight impaired.
 

Read more: One Community Christmas Appeal aims to help Whitworth primary school childrenPublished: 06 December 2020 Whitworth boy spreads happiness by giving away sunflowersPublished: 03 June 2020 Visually impaired brothers raise £300 for Guide Dogs at Heaton Park racePublished: 20 August 2019

Items can be donated to Samba Dance (613 Market Street), Saints and Sinners Café (339 Market Street) or directly to the Whitworth Lighthouse (551-553 Market Street).

If you think you would benefit from the Whitworth Lighthouse Community Foodshare, or if you want to get involved as a volunteer, you can refer yourself by calling 07922 951 096 or email.

You can also be referred through your local doctors’ surgery, school, social services, dentists, council offices and councillors.

For more information, please visit the Whitworth Lighthouse Community Foodshare Facebook page.