A TEENAGER is in the midst of taking on an endurance challenge in memory of his older sister.
13-year-old Freddie Pugh's sister, Lola, was stillborn on May 15, 2011, at 39-weeks, and although he never had the chance to meet her, he has been inspired by his mum, Linzie's, fundraising efforts over the years, and has been fundraising since he was just five years old.
As a family, they have raised over £40,000 for several charities in her memory.
This month, Freddie will be cycling 15 miles each day until May 15, in memory of Lola, who would be turning 15 this year.
He's now completed 10 of the 15 rides, raising over £1700.
At the same time, he will also be raising money for a dream Scouts trip to Tossa de Mar in Spain next year, something he has been dreaming of since the age of six, when he first became a part of the Beavers group in Weobley.
"It’s an amazing opportunity that will help me grow in confidence and experience new things whilst also combining my love of adventures and the outdoors," he said.
"I’ve always wanted to help others, and over the years, I’ve raised lots of money for families who have lost their babies like us.
"Losing Lola changed our family forever, but as I've always grown up knowing about her it’s made me even more determined to do something positive in her memory."
The money will be split between the Born Sleeping Appeal in Hereford, the Baby Memorial Garden, and his Scouts' trip.
Members of the public can donate to his fundraiser via this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/15milesfor15daysforLola?lang=en_GB&fbclid=IwY2xjawRuqMxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3aVIwQ01NSG1KS1FSRTBKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeI7EP9d3AKHngyrsienB5mrZQ5LhnE2iBNkc3DJPwwHgD_L8MsglFp3BUwQ0_aem_IP6oWiL07fMhyg6Kpy-KCQ
Freddie previously won the Tommy's national super sibling award, which recognises a big brother or sister after the loss or early arrival of a baby brother or sister, after being nominated by his mum and dad, Liam.
"Freddie really is one in a million, he has a huge heart and is full of compassion for others around him," Mrs Pugh previously told the Hereford Times.
"To say that he saved me sounds dramatic, but I whole-heartedly feel that he did and will go one to do amazing things.
"He wants to do something sponsored every May for Lola's birthday now and he will never fully understand how much this distraction from a really hard month helps me."
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