An inspirational 12-year-old’s addictive fundraising challenge may not have gone with a bang – but it certainly went with a pop!

Self-confessed prankster Chris Kay burst his way through ten metres of bubble wrap in his wheelchair at Sheffield’s Norfolk Park, smashing not only the bubbles, but his fundraising target in the process.

Initially hoping to raise £500, he’s now raised over £3,000 for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice to help his foster family and friends who visit the hospice – and he hopes to reach £5,000 by the end of the month.

A sunny Sunday afternoon saw Chris gleefully whizzing up and down the bubble wrap, much to the delight of passers-by. 

Chris’ foster carers, Anne Reid and Catherine Mair, were beaming with pride at his achievements in a marathon challenge designed to help boost his self-confidence.

“Chris has a degenerative condition so his future prospects are quite difficult to imagine, but this has given him such self-confidence and belief in himself,” said Anne.

“He’s a truly amazing lad, always full of laughter and jokes, and we’re so proud of him.”

Chris’ quirky and inclusive challenge captured the imaginations of people in the local community and beyond, and the family hope many more will now ‘go pop’ for their chosen charities. The big-hearted fundraiser also plans to make it an annual event.

“There are so many people like Chris who will never be able to run a marathon or do a sponsored walk,” said Anne.

“But this is different – this is a challenge you need wheels for. We’d love to see the Popathon become as popular as a marathon.”

Anne and Catherine, who have collectively fostered over 100 children, are currently caring for two children who visit Bluebell Wood.

The fundraiser gave Chris, who goes to Seven Hills School, the perfect opportunity to give back to the charity that does so much to support his family and friends.

“We’d like to thank everyone who supported Chris in making his Popathon such an amazing success – we couldn’t have done it without you,” Anne added.

“Bluebell Wood is such an incredibly important place for families like ours so your support really does mean the world to us.”

Sally Baker, Community Fundraising Manager at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, said: “A huge well done to Chris for absolutely smashing his challenge, we’re all incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.

“It’s such a wonderfully fun challenge and it’s clear that he loved every minute of it.

“Thank you Chris for being such an inspiration and thank you to everyone who’s supported him along the way.”

You can help Chris reach his fundraising goal here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/popathon2020