Sandy schoolboy uses pedal power to spread smile cards and raise funds for NHS

Dylan Harris, seven, has pledged to ride his bike 5km every day during lockdown to raise money for the NHS, with donations so far reaching an impressive £665.

But not only is the little lad putting his stamina to the test, he’s also determined to make the community smile, leaving positive messages around the town for residents to find.

Mum, Tracy, 36, said: “Dylan decided he wanted to raise money for the NHS and he was inspired by Tom.

“He writes messages to help such as ‘hi’ or ‘keep smiling’ or ‘together we will beat Covid-19’.

“We tie them round lampposts, on the railings at The Mill and near the train track, and he’s also been posting letters to his friends.

“He was starting to get a bit down because he was missing his friends, but now he knows people are seeing his smile cards and it brightens him a little. He’s a very caring boy.”

Dylan has been completing his 5km journeys along with mum Tracy, dad Michael and brother Tyler, 11, with the family venturing around Sandy and up to Blunham.

The family has also been leaving messages at Dylan’s primary school, Laburnum, and he even posted a special message to one of his neighbours, who is a paramedic.

Dylan said: “I wanted to raise money for the NHS because they are doing amazing things. I enjoy getting exercise and I enjoy making people smile. It makes me feel proud.”

Mentioning his neighbour’s reaction, he added: “She said that the clap on Thursday would be for me as well! Thank you for donating because then we will beat Covid-19.”

Tracy added: “Everybody has been absolutely amazing. We know a lot of people who work for the NHS so it’s another reason for him to give back.

“We’re so proud of him and we’re so proud of his brother as well for supporting him and coming with us. It’s an amazing achievement. A lot of people in our family know Dylan is always smiling and it’s been amazing.”

Laburnum’s head teacher, Ben Bardell, contacted the Chronicle about Dylan, because he wanted to spread the word about his pupil’s super efforts. Dylan’s challenge will last until the schools reopen.

> To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/welovenhsbydylanh Facebook: ‘Dylan’s 5km bike ride for NHS, while making cards to make people smile’.