Park runs may help thousands of people to get fit every Saturday morning, but for one young Chesterfield boy, they’re also a great way to raise money for children and young adults whose lives are just too short. 

Zac Self (8) has raised £74 for Bluebell Wood by taking on three Bakewell park runs. 

Zac was inspired to join hundreds of others at Hassop Station in the Peak District to run the 5K route along the Monsal Trail three times because his school, St Peter and St Paul, in Chesterfield, has been fundraising for Bluebell Wood all year.

Zac said: “Bluebell Wood is my school’s chosen charity, and I thought doing this would be a good way to have fun and raise money for them. I think I did very well at the park runs, although I found them tiring. 

“I think I would like to raise money for Bluebell Wood next by organising a football match.” 

Zac’s mum Kelly Self, said: “Zac did so well and I can't believe how quickly he ran. There may have been a lot of moans along the way, but he got there, and we’re all really proud of him.” 

Lucy Rathbone, Bluebell Wood’s Community Fundraiser for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Zac for thinking of the families that Bluebell Wood supports, and going several extra miles for them. Every penny he has raised will make a difference, help families facing tough times to make special memories together.”