Chesterfield schoolboy sets himself charity challenge to walk 1 million steps in memory of great grandma

Oliver Walker, from Holme Hall, decided to undertake the challenge to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare after hearing about the “amazing” care his great grandma, Annie, received before she died.

The Holme Hall Primary school pupil has spent the last couple of months attempting to walk as many steps in a day as possible – and he’s close to hitting his one million target after recording 920,000 steps over the past 10 weeks.

Oliver, who started the charity challenge on May 24, has given himself until the 24th August to cross the finish line.

The nine-year-old has had to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day to get to this point.

Oliver said: “I heard all the great things that Ashgate Hospicecare do at school and my great grandma was at Ashgate when she was poorly, so I wanted to help raise some money for the charity.

"Lots of people have told me what a good place it is when you’re not very well.

“I set myself the target of walking one million footsteps in three months, which works out as a minimum of 10,000 steps per day!

“My family and friends are very proud of me and have been supporting me so much so far.

"It’s been fun to take part but it’s very hard.

“I’ve had to isolate which slowed me down a bit but that didn’t stop me getting my steps in!

"Hopefully, I can reach one million steps soon!”

His great grandma, Annie, died aged 82 in 2006, after having a stroke and pneumonia.

She received end-of-life care on Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit and Oliver was inspired to launch the fundraiser in her memory to show his thanks for the treatment she received at the charity.

The nine-year-old who is a self-confessed football fanatic, has already reached his fundraising target of £500 but is hoping he can keep raising more funds for Ashgate.

His efforts will mean the North Derbyshire hospice can care for families with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones.

Carl Jones, fundraising manager at Ashgate Hospicecare added: “Everyone at Ashgate was so grateful when Oliver told us the plans for his mammoth fundraising challenge!

“It’s incredible to see someone so young take on such a big challenge and Oliver should be very proud of everything he’s achieved so far.

“We’ve all enjoyed following his journey so far and can’t wait to see him hit his million steps target in August – we know he can do it!

“His amazing support means we’ll be able to care for patients and their families who need us most.

"Thank you, Oliver – you’re a true hospice hero!”

To support Oliver in his one million steps challenge, click here.

You can find out more about how you can support Ashgate by setting up your own fundraiser at www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events.

Alternatively, call the fundraising team on 01246 567250 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday or email [email protected].

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