Boy's football trek aids cousin age 3

An avid England fan aged eight marked Euro 2024 by trekking a gruelling 19 miles from Pride Park, the home of Derby County, to The City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest – in a bid to help cure his three-year-old cousin as she battles an ultra-rare genetic illness.

Soccer-mad Harry Archer raised £2,400 for research into Pearson Syndrome thanks to big-hearted supporters from both clubs uniting to back him. The money that poured in was almost triple his sponsorship goal of £850.

His beloved cousin Ruby Wren Marshall was a year old when she was diagnosed with the illness, which is caused by a faulty gene.

She was born perfectly healthy but began suffering from anaemia at six months. Doctors broke the news to her parents John and Nikki that her cells had a glitch. They do not produce energy properly.

The syndrome can affect the pancreas, liver, kidneys, eyes, ears, heart and brain.

Harry was determined to help by raising money for the Lily Foundation, which fuels research into mitochondrial diseases. He plays for Borrowash Youth FC – which Erewash Borough Council has backed with a fast-funding grant to get more local youngsters playing soccer.

The Nottingham Forest fan took eight hours to complete his trek to the City Ground from Derby’s Pride Park Stadium. 

Online donations to a Just Giving page included one with the message: “Well done young man. Cloughie would’ve been very proud of you.” The youngster’s thrilled parents Chris and Steph posted: “We are so very proud of you Harry! You never complained you just got your head down and smashed it!”

Their son said: “Let’s hope this can help Ruby. I’m thankful to everyone who gave money.“ His little cousin lives in Lancaster.

Harry’s “tremendous efforts” saw him win an award from the Ockash Trust – a local charity that is dedicated to helping young people in Ockbrook and Borrowash.

He was not the only player at Borrowash Youth FC to be presented with a certificate by the charity. Leo Osborne – a nine-year-old who plays alongside Harry in the Lions team – also got one.

His dad Jake, who runs Borrowash Youth FC, said: “Leo received his award for all his efforts within the club right from day one and for helping to coach the littlest ones in our under-sixes development group.”

Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Becca Everett – who is also Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: "We are proud to help support Borrowash Youth FC, especially in light of the inspirational youngsters it counts among its players.

“Harry and Leo are shining examples of how children in our borough can be role models to other young people.”

The Ockash Trust will be staging a duck race at Elvaston Castle on Sunday 25th August. 

Meanwhile, people can donate to research into little Ruby’s illness here.