Student takes on Starlight’s GO BIG Challenge

When it comes to fundraising, Spencer Moore is going big.

Year 3 student Spencer is running 75km during November to raise money as part of the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s GO BIG Challenge.

It’s Spencer’s second year fundraising for Starlight. Last year, he raised $700 by riding his bike. This year, pounding the pavement, he has already smashed his $750 donation target, raising almost $1000, with two weeks of the Challenge still to come.

“Hopefully I can get to $1000,” Spencer said.

“I want to help kids who are very sick. I want them to be able to have a happy time so that they’re not just sitting in hospital for months and months.”

Spencer said his own one-day stay in hospital had solidified his desire to help other children.

“That wasn’t the best time,” he said of his short hospital stay. “All I heard was kids crying, so I just want to be able to bring some happiness to their lives.”

Last year, Spencer rode 150km as part of the GO BIG Challenge. He decided to run 75km this year “because it was a bit more challenging and I like running”.

To clock up the kilometres, he takes part in regular 5km Parkruns (as an aside, he can easily complete the 5km without stopping), as well as completing his own runs of up to 2.5km at a time.

DONATE TO SPENCER HERE

Spencer’s mum, Jenni Heward, said her son had seen a TV ad for the Starlight Foundation and “really felt for the children pictured and their parents”.

“He has always been a really active, energetic kid and it’s been lovely to see him combine his athleticism and his empathy into such a fantastic cause,” Ms Heward said.

And fundraising might just be in his DNA.

“My father had always been involved in charity work, and had been CEO of many foundations that relied upon fundraising, so Spencer was aware of how the process worked,” Ms Heward said.

“His uncle rode a huge three-day ride last year, raising money and awareness for cancer, and Spencer thought he could do the same for these kids.”

CAMPING HOLIDAY A WISH COME TRUE FOR ELC STUDENT

Now in its second year, the GO BIG Challenge aims to raise $600,000 for services including Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms.

Starlight chief executive Louise Baxter said, now more than ever, seriously ill children and young people needed Starlight’s “joy, fun, laughter and connection”.

“Physical activity is a great way to boost your mood, as well as your health,” Ms Baxter said of the GO BIG Challenge.

“What better way to make sure you’re looking after your own health than to raise funds to help Starlight bring happiness to sick kids while you’re doing it?”

Donate to Spencer at gobigchallenge.org.au/spencer-moore