Harrison shows off his swimming skills to become top fundraiser

Harrison Leake, aged 5, recently took to the pool as part of a sponsored Pyjama Week swim event organised by Puddle Ducks North East. He raised a whopping £720.24, making him the most successful individual fundraiser ever in the seven years that Puddle Ducks have been running Pyjama Weeks!

Tiny Lives is a cause that is very close to Harrison and his family, as Harrison himself spent time on the Special Care Baby Unit. Born extremely premature at just 22 weeks and 6 days, he was on three different Neonatal units for 4 and a half months following his birth. His twin brother Raif sadly passed away, and Harrison and his family work hard to fund-raise in loving memory of Raif.

Despite his difficult start in life, Harrison has thrived and is an especially keen and skilled swimmer. The Pyjama Week challenge involved life saving skills, and Harrison was required to swim whilst wearing PJs to learn what to do if someone gets into trouble in the water.

Thanks to the generosity of his family and friends Harrison has raised a fantastic amount, which will go a long way towards helping other children and families on the SCBU. He said he was proud to be able to help “the little babies”.

We want to say a big THANK YOU to Harrison, and to wish him the best of luck with his swimming in the future.