Inspirational Devon schoolboy raises almost £2,000 for the NSPCC with his Grandad

A remarkable Devon schoolboy has raised almost £2,000 for the NSPCC after years of dedicated fundraising to help other children.

Henry Murdoch, who is 10-years-old, first started raising money for the children’s charity after its Schools Service team visited his school with its ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ programme.

The safeguarding initiative is offered free to all primary schools across the county through a variety of assemblies and workshops, which are delivered by trained staff and volunteers.

During each delivery, children learn about physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect and bullying in an engaging and age-appropriate way with the help of ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ mascot Buddy, who is shaped like a speech bubble.  

After meeting Buddy and seeing an assembly at his school, the Brixington Primary Academy student felt inspired to help other children by raising money.

Since his first event in 2016 the youngster has raised over £1,700 through a series of sponsored bike rides and walks with his Grandad, Alan.

“Every year I do an event for the NSPCC to help raise awareness of abuse and neglect in childhood,” said Henry. 

“The NSPCC visited my school five years ago and they told us all about the important work they do to help children stay safe.

“So, I decided I wanted to do what I can to raise some money to make sure these important visits always happen.”

In the last academic year, over 22,500 children in Devon met Buddy and saw the programme across the county as it was delivered to 122 local primary schools.

Henry is set to continue his fundraising this year, but has had to postpone his latest challenge due to the lockdown resulting from the global pandemic.

However, he’s not letting it stop him from taking on his next fundraiser and is making plans to complete his sponsored bike ride later in the year with the support of his friends and family.

Henry’s mum Natalie says she and her husband Andy are immensely proud of their son for his fundraising efforts.

“We couldn’t be prouder of him,” she said.

“He has the most caring nature and is always thinking of others. When he told us that he wanted to do some fundraising for the NSPCC to help other children, we never thought it would turn into a yearly event. 

“We love supporting him in his amazing challenges and love that he is fundraising for other children.”

Community Fundraising Manager Alison Armer said: “Fundraising is crucial to the work we do at the NSPCC and forms 90% of our income. 

“We simply wouldn’t be able to provide our vital services to children and young people without our supporters.

“We are especially grateful to Henry and his Grandad, Alan, for their continued commitment to raising money to help ensure we’re still here for children.”

If you would like to support the NSPCC by fundraising, please contact Community Fundraising Manager Alison Armer on Alison.Armer@NSPCC.org.uk