A Bulford boy was so moved by news reports about children in Ukraine that he is planning on cycling 50 miles in one day to raise money.

Mason George, eight, was “heartbroken” by reports of children having to say goodbye to their fathers in Ukraine.

This struck a chord as he too has had to say goodbye to his own dad before – Brendon George, of armoured infantry battalion 5 RIFLES in Bulford.

Mum Sara George said: “He saw the news reports and what was going on and there was a report about children saying goodbye to their daddies and that resonated with him.

“He was heartbroken by it. His dad is a military dad, so he has had to say goodbye to his dad before. During lockdown, he was away for eight months in Estonia, so it is fresh in his mind.

“Mason said he would really like to do something to help to bring some positivity to people who are suffering so much.”

The eigh-year-old also has epilepsy, which is managed by medication.

Sara added: “He hasn’t had a seizure for quite a while. His medication seems to be helping. It will be important for us to factor in breaks and rest times on the bike ride.”

Mason is a pupil at Kiwi Primary School, and staff and pupils are “all very proud of him”.

The bike ride, on June 25, will start in Ringwood, and go through Upton Country Park in Poole, Southbourne, Brockenhurst and then back through the New Forest to Ringwood.

He has already raised £250, and all money raised will go to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, run by the British Red Cross.

To donate, visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/mason-george

Newsquest has pledged to donate proceeds from sales of some of its largest newspapers to the Red Cross DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, which is dedicated to helping and saving those affected by this horrific and bloody war. We’re asking you to join us.

Please join us: justgiving.com/fundraising/therewithukraine 

Donations made via JustGiving and use of the JustGiving website will be subject to the JustGiving privacy policy https://www.justgiving.com/about/info/privacy-policy/privacy-policy-v30 and cookie policy https://www.justgiving.com/about/info/cookie-notice 

None of the donation will be collected by Newsquest. Financial transactions are with JustGiving to donate to the British Red Cross Society DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross Society raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.

For more information visit  https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund Charity Registration No. Eng/Wales 220949,Scot SC037738, IOM 0752, Jers430

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