A remarkable seven-year-old boy with an adventurous spirit has cycled 248 miles (400km) to support a hospital charity. Hailing from Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln, young Oliver initially aimed to complete the distance in 30 days, hoping to raise £400 for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Surpassing all expectations, he successfully raised £1,000.
His final ride culminated at his football club in Waddington, where his teammates cheered him as he triumphantly crossed the finish line. Charity manager Ben Petts hailed Oliver as “an absolute star.”
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Oliver shared, “I embarked on this journey because I love cycling and have been riding since I was three. I wanted to give back to Lincoln hospital, where both my sister Halle and I were born. The doctors, nurses, and carers there are incredible.”
Oliver expressed immense pride, recounting how his initial goal of £300 rose to £400, and his joy upon learning he had reached £1,000. Throughout the challenge, Oliver cycled various routes around Lincoln and Sleaford, accompanied by his supportive parents, Alannah and Mark, and occasionally joined by his one-year-old sister.
Oliver’s mother acknowledged the challenge’s enormity for someone so young, expressing deep pride in his achievement.
The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity enhances patient care by funding additional amenities like a sensory room at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital and providing teddy bears for neonatal units.
Mr. Petts praised Oliver, highlighting him as one of the charity’s youngest fundraisers, and expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Congratulations on surpassing your target, Oliver. We are incredibly thankful for your support.”
