Heysham schoolboys complete triathlon for school playground spurred on by surprise Tyson Fury message

Monday, 19 February 2024 08:36

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Alex Crabtree and Thomas Calvert, both eight years old, completed a triathlon to raise funds for their school playground. Images by Paul Calvert.

Two eight-year-old boys have helped raise funds for their school playground by completing a triathlon - spurred on by a surprise message of support from Tyson Fury.

Alex Crabtree and Thomas Calvert have so far raised £1,775 to go towards an upgrade of the St Peter's school playground in Heysham.

Alex and Thomas tackled a 240m swim, 1.24km run and a 12.4km cycle ride on Saturday - all after playing 50 minutes of football before their big challenge!

Alex's mum Lauren Zawadzki also managed to get them a little last-minute motivation after bumping into the world heavyweight boxing champion himself!

Tyson recorded a video wishing them good luck before their triathlon (see below).

"I just spotted him in Heysham as we were about to set off and asked him to do them a quick video," said Lauren.

"They were absolutely shocked beyond belief - it definitely spurred them on!"

Alex and Thomas are now wondering if they can reach £2024 in total funds raised to match the year 2024.

Alison Dodd, head teacher at St Peter's, said: “Last summer we were able to started the upgrade works to our dated playground but we are having to do this in phases as and when we raise money. The Friends of the school have been instrumental in supporting these efforts and came up with the 2024 Challenge as a school fundraiser.

"We are blown away by all the children’s efforts from cake sales to sponsored read-a -thons.

"It goes without saying that we are so proud of what Thomas and Alex have achieved in their challenge and even a message from Tyson Fury!

"We will be able to do so much with the money raised.”

The two friends are big Morecambe FC fans and play for Heysham Blue Stars U9s football team.

Alex and Thomas' fundraising page can be found here.