Six Year Inspired to Raise Money for Veterans

A six-year-old from Durham has been inspired by his veteran grandad to complete his first fundraising challenge. 

Freddie Sowerby, who attends Ouston Primary School, recently learned about charity and raising money at school. He was inspired to do something to help people, and there was only going to be one person he wanted to raise money with – his grandad Simon.

He was inspired by Simon’s past and wanted to be able to help wounded servicemen and women and show them that they are still cared for and valued. 

Simon O'Meara, an army veteran, served 12 years in the ‘Royal Regiment of Artillery’ and reached the rank of Bombardier. He was initially based in Germany then back to the UK and was primarily employed as a Driver and operator on the Multi Launch Rocket System. Simon was employed as a team commander in Northern Ireland and was deployed on tour in Cyprus. 

Freddie set himself the task of climbing  the 1,049  feet up Roseberry Topping, accompanied by his grandad. Freddie’s mum Emma, who is incredibly proud of her son’s efforts said: “I was surprised when he first told me what he wanted to do. To be honest, I didn’t think it would amount to anything, but he pushed through, and I couldn’t be prouder. 

“He made it up and down in two hours and was wearing his fitness watch the whole time, so he could see how many steps he was getting in and absolutely loved it. When he got to the bottom he was absolutely buzzing, he was so proud of himself and happy and has been telling everyone at school about it ever since.”

Freddie raised over £600 in his fundraising challenge and according to mum Emma, he sees this as just the start of his fundraisers. Duane Fletcher is a Veterans’ Clinical Advisor for Help for Heroes, working with veterans in the Durham area, and served himself as a medic in the Army. Duane said: “What an inspiration Freddie is. Help for Heroes wouldn’t be able to continue to help our veterans who are struggling with physical injuries and mental health challenges without people like him. We’re really grateful for his determination and the generosity of the people who have supported him.”