Father and run: Two set for 11 events

ROB Schofield and his son Oscar are hoping to raise money for Maggie's

IN the Schofield family the phrase "like father, like son" is certainly true.

Both dad Rob and nine-year-old Oscar, from Denshaw, are preparing to take on intense fundraising challenges in aid of Maggie's Oldham, a cancer care centre currently under construction at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Determined Oldham Hulme Grammar School pupil Oscar has signed up to take part in not one but four triathlons this year as well as two duathlons and four aquathlons as a member of Rochdale Triathlon Club.

Meanwhile dad Rob (39), regional general manager at Pentagon Vauxhall, has set himself his own personal challenge and will be taking part in the Great North Swim, an open water swim in Lake Windermere on June 11.

Between them, the dynamic duo are hoping to raise over £2,000, enough to fund the facilities and support at Maggie's Oldham for an entire day.

Oscar, whose heroes are the Brownlee brothers, said: "I really enjoy triathlons but running is my favourite part.

"I train really hard for the races and I train five times a week.

"I'm improving and getting better all the time, especially at putting on my trainers with wet feet after the swimming part."

Oscar, who only started taking part in triathlons a year ago already has the mindset of a professional and makes sure he eats healthily and stays focused during his races, even echoing Mo Farah in his preparation routine of listening to music before setting off.

But this year he has the additional motivation of raising money for Maggie's Oldham after hearing about it from fellow triathlete and Maggie's fundraiser Sharon Livesey, who raised £2,200 for the charity last year with her challenges.

While Oscar is eagerly awaiting his races, and has already completed several on his list, dad Rob is a bit more nervous about his swim after only getting back into the sport in September last year.

He said: "I had some swimming lessons to help with my breathing and technique but then I was bullied into signing up for the swim by the instructor.

"If we all signed up to the shorter swim, they promised to sign up for the 10K swim.

"I need to step up my training as well to make sure I'm prepared."

Luckily wife Claire and Oscar will be on hand to cheer him on.

Claire (39) said: "We're really proud of Oscar for dedicating himself to his training and wanting to support Maggie's.

"Everyone is affected by cancer in some way or knows someone who has been affected and Maggie's is a fantastic charity.

"We're really pleased to be supporting them."

Maggie's Oldham, which is set to open in June, aims to support anyone affected by cancer with activities and services including benefits advice, nutrition workshops, relaxation and stress management, art therapy, tai chi and yoga.

The building is currently under development within the grounds of the Royal Oldham Hospital and is predicted to receive 10,000 visits a year.

To donate to Rob and Oscar's fundraising campaign visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rob-Oscar