A seven-year-old boy from Ilkeston has passed his £1,000 fundraising target ahead of the final walk of his seven-day challenge, after taking inspiration from the remarkable friendship between rugby league legends Sir Kevin Sinfield and the late Rob Burrow.
Oscar, who is autistic, has spent the past week walking around his hometown to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, completing a seven-day challenge that will finish tomorrow (Saturday 10 October).
When this article was first published, Oscar had raised £777. Donations have since taken his total past £1,000, achieving his target before his final walk on Saturday 10 October.
The youngster began his first walk on Sunday 4 October and has since been covering routes around Ilkeston, including Coppice Avenue, the area near Ilkeston Community Hospital and Heanor Road.
He’s also been making short videos during his walks to share his progress and encourage others to support the cause.
But Oscar’s fundraising efforts go well beyond the daily walks. Determined to make his own contribution, he has decided to donate pocket money he has saved and is sorting through his toys to find those he no longer plays with so they can be sold to raise additional funds.
It’s a gesture that has left his family bursting with pride.
“For a 7-year-old to want to give up his own savings and toys to help people he has never even met makes us incredibly proud,” they explained on his fundraising page.
Oscar was inspired by the friendship between former Leeds Rhinos teammates Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow, whose determination to raise awareness of motor neurone disease captured the hearts of millions.
Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and died in June 2024, aged 41. His former teammate and close friend Sinfield has since undertaken a series of extraordinary endurance challenges to raise money and awareness for people affected by the condition.
The connection is particularly timely. Sir Kevin completed his seventh and final 7 in 7 endurance challenge on Saturday 3 October, running seven ultramarathons in seven days, before receiving his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
While Oscar’s challenge is on a very different scale, the same desire to help people living with MND is at its heart.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association provides support for people affected by the condition and their families, campaigns for better care and funds research into treatments and a cure.
Oscar’s family say the local community has been getting behind him with donations and encouragement throughout his challenge.
His mum contacted Ilkeston News hoping to spread the word about his efforts and encourage more people to follow his fundraising journey.
Having passed his £1,000 target, Oscar is preparing for his final walk on Saturday 10 October. Local residents can still support his fundraising for the MND Association.
At Ilkeston News, we’re always keen to celebrate the people who make a positive difference in our community, and Oscar’s determination and generosity are a wonderful reminder that even the youngest residents can make a meaningful contribution.
Anyone wishing to support Oscar can donate through his fundraising page at:
https://raise.ing/jgd8qrylm6pnr
His family are also encouraging people to share his story and help spread the word about his challenge.
