An inspirational eight-year-old boy from Redcar has laced up his boots to start a mammoth fundraising challenge of running 100 miles around 100 different football grounds across the country.
Bohdi Cartwright kicked off his ‘100 Miles, 100 Clubs’ effort on Saturday at Teesdale Park, the home of Thornaby FC, ahead of the Ebac Northern League clash with Marske United.
The football-obsessed youngster is taking on the challenge to raise money for Amy & Friends, MFC Foundation and The Teesside Family Foundation, while raising vital awareness of Cockayne Syndrome – a rare genetic condition affecting his two older brothers, Cohen, 16, and Indie, 13.
Proud dad James Cartwright said: “We are so proud of him for starting this challenge that he came up with along with his mam, Laura.
Bohdi Cartwright at Teesdale Park, Thornaby FC, doing his challenge.Picture: Janette Ruddock
“The biggest step is the first one and to get it underway here at Thornaby is fantastic. He will run around, regardless of wind, freezing conditions, and will get his head down and do it.
“We wanted to do something different. Bohdi loves football, he plays four or five days a week, he is football mad. It will be fun, and that mix between doing something he loves and raising funds for the charities is brilliant.”
Thornaby was the perfect starting point for the young defender, who plays for Boro Rangers Blues. He is close friends with Charlie Skelton, the son of Thornaby co-manager Craig Skelton, with the pair attending Ings Farm Primary School in Redcar together.
The logistics are no small feat. To complete a mile, Bohdi has to run roughly four laps of a professional pitch, or 4.5 laps of a non-league ground. The family aims to complete the century of stadiums before the end of 2026 – and Bohdi will run around outside grounds if he isn’t granted permission inside.
“We had Thornaby lined up to start and we have spoken to a few local clubs like Redcar Athletic, and will work our way through,” James added.
“We will be tactical, so if we are going to London for medical clinics with the boys, we will try to squash in Arsenal’s Emirates and Tottenham.”
The driving force behind Bohdi’s miles are his brothers, Cohen and Indie. Cockayne Syndrome is a rare life-limiting condition that impacts growth, communication and the body’s ability to repair itself.
James said: “We are immensely proud. Cohen and Indie have a lot going on that impacts them day to day. Personality-wise they will bring joy to anyone.
“Bohdi just treats them as any other brothers. They still argue, he looks out for them and fights his own corner. He is so proud of them and would do anything for them.”
Bohdi Cartwright, centre, with his brothers Indie and Cohen. Pictures: 100 Miles, 100 Clubs.
While the freezing temperatures meant Cohen and Indie couldn’t be pitch-side at Thornaby on Saturday, they remain Bohdi’s biggest cheerleaders.
Bohdi, who idolises Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and his beloved Middlesbrough FC, is determined to smash his fundraising target.
Bohdi said: “I love football and I am so pleased I can help out these three absolutely wonderful charities. I hope to get around the 100 grounds without any serious injuries!
“And it would be amazing to get above my £1000 target and hit around £2000. I am also really hoping to do the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough because they are my favourite team.”
Bohdi Cartwright at Teesdale Park, Thornaby FC with Blues management team Craig Skelton, James Hunter and Simon Kasonali. Pictures: 100 Miles, 100 Clubs.
He added: “I absolutely adore my big brothers, Cohen and Indie. They can’t walk and find it hard to communicate, but to me, they’re still my daft, amazing brothers. We argue, laugh, play football together, and go on adventures. I’m happiest when I’m watching Middlesbrough with them by my side.
“As a family, we’ve received so much kindness and support when we needed it most from charities like Amy & Friends, the MFC Foundation and The Teesside Family Foundation. That’s why this challenge means so much to me. 100 miles is a long way, but with your help, I know I can do it.”
*Please share Bohdi’s challenge and help spread the word. If you can donate, please visit: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/12236/100-miles-100-clubs/
100 miles is a long way, but with your help, I know I can do it. To me, Cohen and Indie are just my daft, amazing brothers.”
-Bohdi Cartwright, 8 year old
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