AN 11-year-old boy from Chafford Hundred has raised more than £500 for his local children's hospice by climbing stairs at home to match the equivalent number of steps it takes to reach to top of Everest.

Lionel Mazithulela wanted to take on a challenge while at home to raise money for Little Havens so he decided he would climb his stairs 2,842 times equating to 85,238 – the number of steps it takes to climb Mount Everest.

He completed the challenge over a few weeks raising £550 through sponsorship which will help the charity continue to provide free palliative care and support to babies, children and their families, living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex.

Lionel said: "I chose to raise money for Little Havens because I wanted young people who are not well to have little comforts in their final journey. I want the young people to know that other children think about them and wish that they were not in so much pain.

"The challenge was difficult, but I was determined to carry on because of my wish to contribute to young people in the hospice - hot days were even more difficult but I did not lose determination. I have never done a fundraising challenge before and it is certainly not my last time."

Emma Hamilton, Voluntary Income Team Leader from Havens Hospices said: "This is such an incredible fundraising challenge and we can't thank Lionel enough for raising much needed funds for Little Havens, the only children's hospice in Essex. Because of supporters like Lionel we can continue to provide our essential free hospice care to everyone who needs us, whenever they need us."

To support Lionel's fundraising efforts, visitsponsor.me/lionelmazithulela tomake a donation. To find out more about how you can fundraise for Havens Hospices click here..