Emmerdale star Alfie Clarke, 9, raises £5,000 for Alzeimer’s charity after dementia killed his onscreen father Ashley
The child actor took part in a sponsored swim
EMMERDALE child star Alfie Clarke has raised more than £5,000 for a dementia charity after his on-screen dad Ashley Thomas died from the disease.
Alfie, 9, was heavily involved in the tragic story line and decided to take part in a sponsored swim to help real life sufferers.
The pint-sized actor set up his very own page and told fans of the soap: "I play Arthur Thomas in Emmerdale and I've been involved with the story line around the Thomas Family dealing with Ashley's dementia.
"I would like to promote and raise money for Alzheimer's Society."
Donations poured in and Alfie, who plays Arthur in the ITV soap, completed his swim - a total of 46 lengths - last Saturday in Huddersfield.
A message on his Just Giving page now says: "Alfie completed his swim at Huddersfield Leisure Centre.
"He managed to complete a massive 46 lengths. Thank you to everyone for your support.
"Alfie is thrilled to have raised so much money for the Alzheimer Society."
The soap star has exceeded his initial £1,000 target by a whopping £4,200.
Viewers watched last month as Ashley - played by John Middleton - tragically died from Vascular Dementia.
The former vicar passed away suddenly from pneumonia after wandering in the streets due to the devastating disease.
On Friday, we revealed how Alfie's character Arthur is set to watch a home video of Emma Barton threatening Ashley after he saw her push James off a bridge.
Arthur's discovery is likely to unravel the huge Emmerdale murder plot.
To sponsor Alfie,
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220