A JOHNSTONE schoolboy has raised hundreds of pounds for a children’s hospital where he was once a patient.

Eight-year-old Stephen Hunter set himself the challenge of completing a difficult level of his video game Octodad in under 26 minutes to raise funds for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

The St David’s Primary pupil decided to raise money for the charity because he received treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children, in Glasgow, when he was four.

Stephen told The Gazette: “I had a lump on my head, so I had to go to hospital for a week for an operation. I thought it was really good there.

“I want to raise money to help boys and girls in hospital just now. All the nurses and doctors are working really hard and I’m really happy that I get to help them with my challenge.”

Stephen’s proud mum Yvonne added: “He came up with this idea all by himself, totally out of the blue, saying that he wanted to help the children in hospital.

“Fundraising projects like this are a great distraction for kids to focus on in lockdown – it gives them something positive to work towards when they’re starting to get a bit fed up.

“We hope it will inspire others to do some fundraising for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity too, as it is a cause that’s close to so many people’s hearts.”

Stephen successfully completed his challenge during a livestream event on Sunday as part of the 2.6 Challenge, which was launched this month to support charities who have been affected by the postponement of fundraising events during the coronavirus outbreak.

Participants have been asked to come up with their own fundraising activity which involves the number 2.6 or 26 to support a worthy cause.

Kirsten Sinclair, chief operating officer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “During this challenging time, it is always humbling to hear about our supporters going above and beyond to make a difference.

“We are incredibly grateful to Stephen for his tremendous fundraising efforts and would like to thank him for choosing to support the charity.”

For information about how to take part in the 2.6 Challenge and support the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, visit glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org or call 0141 212 8750.