BIG-HEARTED 10-year-old Bromsgrove book-lover Alex Shepherd raised £300 for the urostomy association by doing a sponsored read for 100 consecutive nights.
The Urostomy Association (UA) offers support for people about to undergo, or recover from, surgery to create a urinary diversion because their bladder has to be removed due to cancer or other conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spina bifida.
The operation involves creating an opening from inside the body to the outside making a new way to pass urine, and means adapting to life wearing a bag.
When Alex learned some people had to adapt to weeing differently and often face stigma because of this, he decided to take on a sponsored read to raise much-needed funds for the charity.
Alex said he really enjoyed his sponsored read, which ranged from Swallows and Amazons to The Beano and his personal favourite the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
He said: “The Urostomy Association helps people when they need it the most as when someone is ill it affects not just them but people close to them too.
“As a 10-year-old I know how important it is to help people get well so you can have fun together as a family.
“That was extra special because the set of books was given to me by my godmother Karen, who inherited them from her mother. I so really treasure them.
“A big thank-you to my family and friends who sponsored me, helping to make things better for people who are recovering after a big operation, getting used to weeing differently and living with a bag.”
