Boy, 10, beats Rubik's Cube fundraising goal

4 hours ago

Gavin KermackWest Midlands

News image — George, ably assisted on videographer duties by his younger brother Alfie, completed the challenge in less than half his target time

Family Two young boys wearing matching blue t-shirts. The younger boy is sitting in an armchair and giving a thumbs-up to the camera. The older boy is standing in front of the chair and holding up a Rubik's Cube in an heroic gesture. On a table in front of them are a selection of other toys, including several more Rubik's Cubes. — George, ably assisted on videographer duties by his younger brother Alfie, completed the challenge in less than half his target time

A 10-year-old boy who is already a committed charity fundraiser spent his bank holiday Monday completing his latest challenge - this time involving the twists and turns of classic puzzle the Rubik's Cube.

George, from Bewdley, Worcestershire, set himself the task of raising £500 for Midlands Air Ambulance by solving a Rubik's Cube in under three minutes - broadcasting the feat live online.

In the end, he smashed both targets - solving the puzzle in 75 seconds, and raising £675 by the time he finished.

Asked how he managed to perfect his technique, George's answer was simple: "Practising for two years straight."

George started learning how to solve the Rubik's Cube after watching his dad Mike - who admits George is now faster than him - playing with one.

Having caught the bug, George now has a collection of seven cubes, of varying sizes and difficulties.

"I know how to solve each one," he said. "It's real fun. It's good for the brain.

His mum Tara said that while playing with the cube was "a good stress reliever", she "wouldn't know where to start" if she found herself with the puzzle in her hands.

Family The two young boys from the above photo holding a large cheque for £1,000 made out to "Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity". On either side of them are a woman and a man. — Last year, Alfie and George, pictured with their parents Tara and Mike, raised £1,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital

The challenge was streamed in a Facebook Live video, filmed by George's younger brother Alfie, eight.

The brothers are already experienced fundraisers, having last year raised £1,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital by offering hugs to people while dressed as a chicken and Pokemon character Pikachu.

They even have their own Facebook page on which they post details of their challenges.

George and Alfie chose Midlands Air Ambulance for their latest fundraiser after the charity rescued their grandfather following a motorcycle crash.

"If it wasn't for them, my dad would not be here today," said Tara. "They are a crucial, crucial charity."

Family Two young boys standing outside. One is wearing an inflatable Pikachu costume, and the other boy, who is smaller, is wearing an inflatable chicken costume. — George and Alfie frequently set themselves challenges to raise money for charity

Despite cutting his target time in half, George - whose personal best is 53 seconds - has some way to go if he ever wants to beat the current world record of just under three seconds.

"I think I could go down to 25 seconds - that's what I'm aiming for," he said.

Tara added she was "more than proud" of her fundraising sons. "They're coming up with more ideas every day.

"I'm excited for the next adventure."

George is currently formulating a plan to solve the Rubik's Cube in public while dressed as a sumo wrestler.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.