In another inspiring charity challenge, Dante Valaydon-Pillay the ambitious 12 year old boy from Raglan has just completed the 7th of his 12 fundraisers for Children in Need. 

On the 20th of April, he completed an impressive 25 miles cycling back and forth over the Seven Bridge from England to Wales.

He set himself a target of cycling 10 times back and forth over the 2.5 mile span of the bridge. He said, “My mum's friend suggested I cycle over the bridge and I thought that was a cool idea as I love cycling”.

He started his fundraising journey after his mother was struck down by a series of major strokes and they were both cared for by kind family and friends. Realising not all children are as fortunate he set about raising money for the charity Children in Need.

In his Easter holidays 2022 he hiked up the Sugarloaf every day for 5 days and raised over £1500. As a result of his massive effort, he won the BBC Sir Terry Wogan Young Fundraiser of the Year. He then continued his fundraising by starting a 12 month charity challenge and in December 2023 won another accolade, The Pride of Gwent Fundraiser of the Year Award for his ongoing achievements. Since 2023 he has climbed and abseiled 210 ft up and down Clifton Gorge, ran a 5k, baked over 50 Christmas cakes for the elderly, helped out at a Foodbank, sold his own artwork, and sang in front of 5000 rugby fans, followed this month by his Seven Bridge cycle.

Completing his challenge, he said, “Wow I've done it! I've completed my 7th charity challenge for Children in Need and I'm so proud of myself for completing it. It was hard going up the bridge but easy going down but I enjoyed every moment. I hope people like what I'm doing and donate to my fundraising page justgiving.com/page/dante321go. It's a worthwhile cause”.

In February, he completed challenge 5 of 12 when he created 3 three art photos that were displayed at IAP Gallery, Church St, Monmouth and The Wilson Gallery, Cheltenham.