Autistic Derbyshire boy on 77-mile walking challenge is spurred by personal message from his hero Sir Kevin Sinfield
‘He’s always been such a helpful and kind boy’.
A seven-year-old autistic boy living in Derbyshire has vowed to walk 77 miles before Christmas, spurred on by a special personal message from his sporting hero, Sir Kevin Sinfield.
Oscar Wilson of Ilkeston has already raised £2,647 for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. He walked every day for seven days during October, smashing his original target of £77.....and has decided to keep going.
The kind-heated lad is pounding the streets every day carrying a bucket to raise money for the MND Association. Oscar has also donated his own pocket money savings to the charity and chosen toys that he no longer plays with to sell.
His mum, Charlene, said: “It’s all him, this is all his idea. He’s always been such a helpful and kind boy.”
Oscar was inspired to take action after reading Try, the children’s book written by MND Association patron Sir Kevin Sinfield. The story introduced him to MND and the extraordinary friendship between Kevin and his rugby teammate, the late Rob Burrow, whose courage and determination have inspired millions.
Kevin sent Oscar a special video message after his first challenge in which he said: ”Your fundraising has been absolutely fantastic, so keep doing what you’re doing. The whole MND community are behind you. Your mum and dad are really proud, so is everybody else. You keep going bud and hopefully I’ll see you again soon.”
Watching the video, a tearful Oscar said the message from Kevin was “better than anything he had ever wanted.”
Oscar’s dad, Nikki, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the compassion he’s shown.
“What has made us proudest is that Oscar didn’t just want to ask other people to donate. He wanted to give something himself. He’s donated his own pocket money, chosen toys to sell and has thrown himself into fundraising with so much enthusiasm.
“He has such a big heart and we’re so grateful to everyone who has supported him so far.”
The number seven has become a special theme throughout Oscar’s fundraising journey and also holds significance for rugby league fans as it was famously worn by Rob Burrow throughout his legendary career.
You can support Oscar’s mission and donate here: https://fundraising.mndassociation.org/fr/cr-knd8mzyywrq6o and follow his journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/oscarsmissionformnd
Find out more about MND and the MND Association at https://www.mndassociation.org