Harry Potter star joins Leeds Charlie Chaplin girl’s Walk of Smiles

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Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis joined more than 200 fundraisers on a charity walk led by inspirational Leeds youngster Bethany Hare.

A string of star names joined in the the 10k ‘Bethany’s Walk of Smiles’ in Horsforth on Saturday to raise thousands in sponsorship for Martin House Children’s Hospice near Wetherby.

Talented 11-year-old performer Bethany made her mark in the entertainment world when she dressed as Charlie Chaplin and sang his song Smile for an online charity video.

The video raised around £8.000 for the hospice.

She wore the same outfit for the charity walk and sang ‘Smile’ an after event party at the Old Ball pub in Horsforth on Saturday afternoon.

Bethany said: “The walk went really well. It’s great that so many people have turned up to help raise money for the children’s hospice.”

Her mum Yvonne, 46, helped organise the walk with friend Debbie Oram and Old Ball pub manager Tracy Wilcock.

Yvonne said it is hoped the walk will become an annual event, adding: “the atmosphere was fantastic. The support we have had from so many people is just amazing.”

Harry Potter actor Matthew, 22, who plays Neville Longbottom in the films, was brought up in Horsforth.

He said: “The success of this event is a testament to how hard Bethany has worked and how hard everyone else has worked.

“I’m just so impressed and very privileged to be a part of it.”

Matthew did the walk after a morning training with a coach from Leeds Rhinos RL team.

He said: “I’m trying to get a bit bigger for a role at the back end of the year. It’s a film but I can’t say too much about it at the moment.”

Also on the walk were eight-year-old Jack Downham who plays Noah Tate, and Millier Archer, 10 who plays Anya King, in ITV soap Emmerdale.

Potential 2012 Olympian and Great Britain swimmer Anne Bochman, 18, took part along with Yorkshire cricketer Gerard Brophy, who is supporting Martin House in his testimonial year.

MP Stuart Andrew MP (Cons, Pudsey and Horsforth) also took part.

Bethany has been named Just Giving’s Young Fundraiser of the Year and won a Kids Count Inspiration Award.

To watch Bethany’s video or to make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/smile-bethanyhare.