Mum Chelsea Loader, 32, said that her son Archie, from Stanway, came to her recently saying that he wanted to make a difference to support Cancer Research UK.

It culminated in him completing a charity run around Colchester on New Year’s Eve.

She said: “He referred to his friend, a young cancer survivor, who had inspired him with their strength and resilience.

“Archie’s mission is to help more children like this, get back to doing the things they love, and he decided that he could help by raising funds and awareness for cancer research.

Support – Friends and family also ran with Archie (Image: Submitted) Archie also set up his own training plan which involved getting up early to run before school alongside his dad – who ran the race alongside friends with Archie.

Archie ran 8.5km, or 5.3 miles, on a morning run on December 31, going around Axial Way and finishing at the Colchester Sports Park in the Northern Gateway in just over 52 minutes.

Celebration – Archie finishing his charity run outside of Colchester Sports Park (Image: Submitted) Archie was greeted by about 40 friends and family who were waiting for him with homemade banners and signs.

He said: “I’m really grateful to everyone who donated.

“It’s my passion to help people and it was amazing crossing that finish line knowing I had made a difference.”

Community – About 40 friends and family showed up for Archie on New Year’s Eve (Image: Submitted) While mum Chelsea said: “It certainly was an emotional day and there was an amazing atmosphere.

“Archie was talking to people at the sports park and telling them what he had just done – he managed to get an extra £40 of donations there.

“A stranger who had just finished chemotherapy came over to Archie and told him what an inspiration he was and donated.”

Family – Archie with his mum Chelsea and dad Michael Loader, 36, who ran the race with him (Image: Submitted) Grateful – Archie holding up the handmade signs friends and family made for him (Image: Submitted) She added: “He did so well and had lots of support, it was ‘epic’ in his own words.

“Archie is now planning his next mission and resting with family.”

As of writing, Archie has raised £1,236 with charity Cancer Research UK saying that £1,000 raised could buy imaging software for scientists which could help to test potentially life-saving treatments.

To donate visit https://gofund.me/d5b387d0