Kailem’s fundraising for Nature!

A 10-year-old fundraiser has raised more than £1,000 for British wildlife after turning his love of animals and nature into a community campaign that has won support from family, friends and local businesses.

His mother said the project has given him a sense of purpose and a way to contribute to a cause that matters deeply to him.

Kailem Mclaren has been taking part in the Hedgehog Walk, a challenge organised to mirror the distance hedgehogs travel at night, and for children his age that has meant completing 10 km walks and nature activities. The family has visited places including Rivington Pike, Mam Tor and Daisy Nook Country Park as part of the effort.

Kailem’s mother, Dannielle Mclaren, said Kailem is autistic and feels especially at ease around animals and nature, which has made the wildlife fundraiser a meaningful focus for him. She also said he has been fundraising since he was 18 months old, but this time wanted to channel that energy into British wildlife, which she described as an under-supported area.

Kailem said he believes caring for nature is important because it is “one more step closer” to fixing the environment, and he kept going on the longer walks by reminding himself they were “for nature.” He also said he likes animals because “all animals are equal in some way,” and could not choose a single favourite.

Community backing

The family said they had contacted around 60 local businesses in Droylsden, with a few making direct contributions or helping with collections. Among those mentioned were Droylsden Windows, a local hairdresser and Morrisons, where staff allowed a fundraising collection.

Speaking to Tameside Reporter’s Grace Jones, Kailem had raised £1,010, surpassing the original target of £1,000. The family said donations from the public continued to make a real difference, especially when many local outreach efforts had gone unanswered.

If you’d like to help support Kailem, visit https://the-hedgehog-walk-2026.raiselysite.com/dannielle-mclaren