Reindeer run for RNLI fundraiser Daniel

Wednesday 04 December 2024

A Guernsey schoolboy who was recently awarded a Blue Peter silver badge is continuing his fundraising efforts for the RNLI with a festive running challenge.

Daniel Wood received his Blue Peter Silver badge for his commitment to the national charity, demonstrated through numerous fundraising efforts last year including taking part in flag days and manning shop stalls.

Now he's stepping up the fundraising with a physical challenge, and he's roped his nanna in too! 

Daniel and Lynne Wood are taking part in the RNLI Reindeer Run Challenge.

That means they have to run 24 miles throughout this month. Each mile they run will represent one hour each day that the RNLI volunteers will be on call, every day of the year including over Christmas.

Pictured: Daniel and his nanna have already started their Reindeer Run challenge.

Daniel said his support of the RNLI and his Blue Peter silver badge achievement will keep him running throughout the month.

"I'm very proud of having this achievement, I wanted to get the Blue Peter silver badge so that I can show how much I support the lifeboats, which is really important to me living on a small island," he said. 

"The fact that the RNLI has some lifeboats donated by Blue Peter is amazing and I hope that Blue Peter will carry on doing more because of the RNLI's 200th anniversary."

The Blue Peter silver badge is awarded to those who show kindness by doing something for your community or another person. This could include activities like fundraising or volunteering - both of which Daniel has done.

Pictured: Daniel with his Blue Peter silver badge.

Along with his dad, Daniel started fundraising last year and the RNLI said he has been "a brilliant help" at flag days and helping out on fundraising stalls.

Daniel's dad, Kyle Wood said the Blue Peter silver badge is a just reward for all of his hard work.

"Daniel has always enjoyed watching Blue Peter, which has had a strong connection with the RNLI for many years," he explained.

"When he started to help raise money for the RNLI (with me being his willing assistant at flag days and shop stalls), I was really proud of his efforts, and given his love of Blue Peter I decided to apply to get him a Blue Peter badge as it would be a great way to recognize his generosity and passion. I applied for a Silver Badge which is for children who have shown individual acts of kindness by doing something for your community. He was awarded the badge and it arrived a few days before his 10th birthday, so we presented it to him on his birthday as a surprise (along with as many items from the RNLI shop as presents as we could afford)."

Pictured: Daniel's fundraising includes flag days and manning raffle and gift stalls at the RNL shops and at charity fayres.

Daniel and his nana have already started their Reindeer Run challenge. You might see them out pounding the streets during December in their High-viz RNLI volunteer vests.

At the time of writing, Daniel has already exceeded his initial fundraising target! But you can still sponsor him HERE.

You can also join Daniel by taking part in the Reindeer Run challenge HERE. The RNLI says "it's a fun and festive way to get active and be a lifesaver".