Denton youngster's marathon effort pays off

Eight-year-old Connor Wright, from Denton, has completed a 24-hour gaming marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He began the epic marathon at 9am on January 9 and finished the following morning, going straight to sleep after 24 hours of fundraising.

Macmillan is a charity close to Connor’s heart, having lost family to cancer and with other members fighting the disease.

Connor found the fundraising idea online, although he’s no stranger to doing things for a good cause. 

During the first national lockdown, he sold his old toys to raise £100 for NHS staff.

Jennifer Wright, Connor’s mum, said: “I’m so proud, he has a true heart of gold and will do anything for anyone. He’s dedicated and works so hard to achieve anything he can.

“When we woke him after the gaming marathon and told him how much he’d raised, he cried. 

“He was so emotional and happy to have raised so much. He originally set a donation target of £150, after he surpassed that he hoped for £500, but he never thought he’d get as much as he has.”

Donations to Connor’s Macmillan have hit £600 so far. The page also includes footage that he streamed from the event, playing his favourite games such as Fortnite, Crash Bandicoot, Super Mario Odyssey and Minecraft.

You can still donate by going to the page: https://gameheroes.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/christopher-wright2020 

In the midst of another national lockdown, Connor and his family are always finding ways to keep positive and inspire their community in different ways.

Jennifer said: “In the first lockdown, a group of houses on our street got together and set up a messenger group. 

“Connor and his big sister, Jessica, posted leaflets through every door containing information on how to contact us if they needed anything, from a phone call or a food shop.

“Our neighbours around us have really kept our spirits high. They’ve also helped so much in the donation figures for Connor’s marathon.”

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