Young athlete raises thousands for needy families

A caring youngster has set a new record by raising the most individual funds ever for a Preston charity
Ollie Ascroft has raised more than 4,000 running to school every morning during lockdownOllie Ascroft has raised more than 4,000 running to school every morning during lockdown
Ollie Ascroft has raised more than 4,000 running to school every morning during lockdown

Ollie Ascroft, 10, became the youngest person to raise funds for TippyToes Baby Bank, based in Preston, by running the equivalent of a marathon over two weeks.

The youngster ran from his Hesketh Bank home to his temporarily closed school, Tarleton Community Primary in the next village, every day over 14 days.

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He set up a fund raising page and ended up netting £4,130 – the highest amount ever raised for the charity.

Ollie ran almost two miles every morning and picked the charity because he wanted to do something useful during lockdown and read about the charity, which helps needy families.

He was amazed by the support he received and said: " I’m very glad I did it and knowing that the money I’ve raised will be helping families who need it makes me very happy.

"I actually enjoyed running to my school and back every day for the charity, and I think I’m going to miss doing it."

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His mum, Gemma, who ran with him all the way, added : "We are very proud of what Ollie has achieved.

"Initially, he wanted to raise £500, so reaching over £4,000 is truly amazing and we are extremely grateful to all the people and businesses who have given so generously in what are very challenging times."

TippyToes was founded in 2019 to provide essential items to families in desperate need around the county, such as milk formula, nappies, wipes, second-hand clothes, equipment, furniture, toiletries and donations.

The charity, which has helped more than 900 families over the last 12 months, has seen a huge rise in people needing its help during the coronavirus crisis.

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Founder Sue Wade said: "It is outstanding to receive such a large amount of money from one individual fundraiser - and one so young.

"This is the largest sum we have ever received and is invaluable to us to carry on our work of supporting families in crisis. Words cannot express our gratitude to Ollie and his mum, Gemma, for their dedication to helping others."

T swell the fund go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/ollies-campaign-for-tippytoes-babybank

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