Hero Oscar puts his best foot forward in aid of MND

Through hail, rain, snow and gales, youngster Oscar Asquith has spent every day this month notching up another mile run in memory of his great uncle Ron, a former woodwork master at Saddleworth School, who died of Motor Neurone Disease more than 15 years ago.

The valiant 10-year-old leaves Díggle CE primary school every day under the watchful eye of his proud mother, Michelle, and adds another mile on his 31-day run pledge to home in a bid to raise funds for MND.

Oscar’s uncle is described by the family as a “kind, unassuming and gentle.”

And today Kevin Sinfield CBE, national MND fundraising icon, added personal words of encouragement to the little champ’s efforts.

In a personal video message to Oscar he said: ”Well done and congrats on running every day this month on behalf of you great uncle Ron.

"I’m sure he’ll be unbelievably proud of you.

“And all the MND community will be proud of everything you’ve done.

"Keep going, not long to go now and I hope you smash your target.”

Originally Oscar aimed to raise £150, but after his mother opened a JustGiving page he has currently raised more than £1,000.

Said mother of three Michelle: “Oscar is a sporty boy, his main passion is golf.

"And he’s played since he was two years old.

"His dad, Steve, is ex-Captain of Saddleworth Golf club so they play as much as they can.

“He also enjoys playing for Uppermill football club and Greenfield cricket club.

"But he doesn’t enjoy running!!

"In actual fact he finds it really hard.

“Back in summer Oscar received medication for a lack of iron, his energy levels were on the floor and we were quite worried about him.

“After blood tests it was decided he needed six months medication. It worked.

"His energy levels returned and he has ongoing tests this year.

"Over Christmas Oscar and I decided it would be a real challenge to run a mile daily for MND, but he really wanted to do it.

“As you’ve seen from his story on the JustGiving page, he’s running for his Great Uncle Ron.

"Ron Asquith was a woodwork teacher at Saddleworth school.

"His life was cut short by MND and he died in his 60s.

“When he died people had rarely heard of MND.

"We, as a family, are proud the charity are striving to find a cure.”

Michelle added: ”Oscar has run through all sorts of weather and gained a following among passing travellers and motorists who wave and sound their horns as he makes his way home.

"It’s wonderful community support.”

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