A Monmouthshire boy turned his passion into purpose on Sunday, April 10, kicking his football for 12 miles and completing his marathon effort in under five hours, reports Lauren Meredith.

Eight-year-old Hartley Cunard set off at 10am on the Redbrook bridge and dribbled his football until he reached Chepstow bridge.

Another young boy busking to raise money for the children of Ukraine inspired Hartley to take action too so he developed this fundraiser as he also wanted to do something to help.

So, on the day before his ninth birthday, Hartley weaved his way through forests and over rivers to raise money for the DEC Ukraine appeal.

Hartley said, “I am kicking a football for 12 miles for Disasters Emergency Committee because the children of Ukraine need our help.”

During the 12-mile marathon effort, Hartley did his favourite football tricks such as The Rabona, The Elastico, The Seal Dribble, Reverse Step-Overs and Rainbow Flicks.

So far, he has raised £1390. The money is still coming in from people he passed during his fundraiser.

“I’m raising money because it’s important for the children of Ukraine to be able to live freely in their own beautiful country,” he said.

A Ukrainian woman heard about Hartley’s kickathon and waited for him at Chepstow Bridge.

Hartley’s mum said: “It was a very lovely moment. And it was an amazing day with everyone supporting him along the way.”