A six-year-old Grayshott Primary School pupil has done the extraordinary and completed a 15 mile paddleboard in one day, all in aid of fighting children’s cancer.

Dexter Rees’ parents expected the challenge to take nine hours. But when Dexter took to Basingstoke canal with his father last Saturday, he smashed the 15-mile stretch in just over seven.

His recent paddleboarding challenge is not Dexter’s first venture into physical fundraising. But it was his hardest. 

Dexter previously completed a one-mile walk for Save the Children at just one year old, a 5km cycle dressed as Santa for MIND at four, and at five years old Dexter completed a triathlon with Ashley Cain, swimming 20 lengths, walking five miles and cycling ten miles for The Azaylia Foundation. 

Dexter’s father Jamie said that in previous years they’ve spread the challenges over a weekend, but this year Dexter insisted on doing the entire 15 miles in one day. 

“It went really, really well,” said Jamie. “It was a nice day so was quite busy on the canal and a lot of people were telling him he was doing a great job, which always helps.”

“I think it is amazing. I am just very proud of Dexter.”

So far, Dexter has raised £1,173. Jamie said Dexter doesn’t really have a concept of how much that is, so he explained it in terms of how much Lego he could get with that amount of money.

“But it doesn’t matter to Dexter how much he raises,” Jamie added. “He just gets a kick out of doing it for charity.” 

Dexter said: “The paddleboarding went good, it was nice to spend time with my dad! I wanted to do the paddleboarding because it’s fun and I want to help poorly children as they deserve more. 

“I haven’t thought about my next plans for The Azaylia Foundation as I’m currently resting but I really want to climb Mount Snowdon!”