Last year, Ollie Clarke, 8, watched his uncle run the London Marathon and told his parents he wanted to do something similar. Fast forward a year and the sporty youngster ran the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) spread over the month of May and raised £1,000. We spoke to his mum, Emma, who told us why Ollie wanted to fundraise for us.
Eight-year-old Ollie takes on marathon challenge
After seeing his uncle take part in the London Marathon last April, Ollie set his heart on doing it in the future. Then one day he came home from school and said that they’d been talking about fundraising for their chosen charity. This really inspired him, and he said he wanted to do something himself for Muscular Dystrophy UK, for Matthew.
My cousin Matthew was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of five and sadly died in July 2023, just before his 30th birthday.
“Matthew was kind-natured, caring and determined, had an avid interest in history and enjoyed writing and spending time with family and friends.”
He had a master’s degree and wrote a children’s book, ‘Adventures with Wally the Wheelchair’.
Matthew and I were very close growing up and spent a lot of time together. He was so caring and happy, always keen to know about everyone else, and just wanted to make the most of life.
“Ollie was only six when Matthew died, but he’d obviously made an impression on him even at such a young age.”
Ollie completed the 26.2-mile challenge by running varying distances across the month of May. He’s a very active boy and was so excited when he saw that he’d raised £1,000 on his fundraising page as he’d originally set himself a target of £200.
Matthew was an amazing guy and never let his condition hold him back. I think he would be extremely proud of Ollie for doing this, just as we are.
Inspired by Ollie’s fundraising efforts?
There are so many ways you can fundraise for people living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition. No idea is too big or too small.
