Winchester six-year-old named top fundraiser for Race for Life

Jesse Westwood, from Fulflood, raised more than £1,000 Cancer Research and ran his second-ever Race for Life at North Walls Recreation Ground on Sunday, May 21.

The young fundraiser got a shout-out for his efforts from the event MC in front of hundreds of fellow participants, before running the 3k event with his cousin Skye Heath, seven, and auntie Jasmine Heath, 14, in memory of their grandma Bebe who died from cancer at 58 when Jesse was three.

At the end of April, Jesse organised a bake sale to help raise money in the local community, earning £205 towards the final total.

READ MORE: Winchester six-year-old to run his second ever Race For Life

Jesse’s mum, Emma Heath, said: “Raising money for cancer research is important to us as a family. Sadly, it’s something that will have impacted everyone we know in some way. 

“Trying to make sense of this with children is challenging. Race for Life gives you an uplifting space to get outside and get moving but also to find a way to make an important difference without it feeling too scary or overwhelming. 

SEE ALSO: Pictures: Hundreds compete in the Winchester Race for Life 2023

“I’m so proud of Jesse, Skye and Jasmine who were nervous in the run-up to the race but were energised on the day and are keen to run 5k next year. 

“We couldn’t have raised the money we have without the generous support of family and friends who donated, baked and cheered Jesse, Skye and Jasmine on all the way.” 

Jesse added: “I’m proud I made it all the way round and I have been able to help the scientists and the people affected by cancer by running and baking. Next year I want to run 5k, I’ll be seven then.” 

Jesse also took part in the 3k with his mum in 2021 when he was just four years old.

For more information or to donate go to fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jesse-westwood-fundraiser.