A 10-year-old Co Derry schoolboy is to take on a 12km running challenge in memory of his father who died in a tragic road crash.
Harry Smyth from Kilrea lost his father Peter (46) in February after his van was in a collision with a lorry near Coleraine. He was remembered as a "generous friend, funny and loving family man".
Three months on, Harry will embark on a run from Coleraine to his school in Garvagh in honour of his father and raise funds for two charities close to his heart.
Money collected will be donated to the NI Air Ambulance, the first emergency service to attend the scene of the road crash, and Gorran Primary School.
Harry will be joined by his mother Caroline, Gorran PS principal James Cleland and teacher Jonny McMullan on the run on Saturday.
Mrs Smyth said Harry wanted to do something positive to thank those who had helped them.
"It has been hard over the last few months, but this has given Harry and all of us something to focus on," she said.
"Last year Harry wanted to do a run for charity, but we had said to wait a bit.
"After the accident, Harry said he wanted to do the run for the Air Ambulance and asked could we arrange it with his school as they've been so good to us since it happened.
"The Air Ambulance were the first of the emergency services to attend, we feel it's important to help them as they rely entirely on donations."
Mrs Smyth said the run was a "fitting way" to honour her husband, a keen sportsman and supporter of their children's sporting endeavours.
"Peter nurtured a love of sport for Harry and Ellie, so it is no surprise Harry wanted to do this in his dad’s memory," she said.
"It’s a long run for such a young child but he has been training hard and is so keen to raise money for two organisations which have done so much to help our family over the last few months.
"We are so thankful for all the help we have had from the local community and wanted to give something back to say thank you, and this felt like a fitting tribute to Peter."
Harry also said: "My dad came to watch me do Parkrun many times and we talked about all the runs I would do in the future.
"So I want to do this one for him, and to raise money for NI Air Ambulance who helped him and Gorran school who have helped me and my sister."
Mr Cleland said: "Everyone at school was shocked and saddened by the news of Peter’s accident, but were determined to do all we could to show the family our support.
"We think that during this difficult time, it is amazing, but not surprising, that Harry and Ellie have chosen to organise this event to give back to those who have helped them."
The run starts at 11am at Costa Coffee, Coleraine - chosen because it was a favourite spot for Harry and his dad to go for a weekend treat - and end at Gorran PS around 12.15pm ahead of an afternoon of celebrations for the local community. To donate to Harry's run, please visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/caroline-smyth.
