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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Keiran Fleming

Glasgow boy, 6, takes on 96-mile trek to raise money for foodbank he volunteers at

A six-year-old has taken on the mammoth trek from Milngavie to Fort William alongside his dad to raise money for Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, where they both volunteer.

Dalmuir schoolboy Ollie Durand and his Dad, Stephen, are currently making their way north as they look to finish the 96 mile West Highland Way this weekend.

The pair have been helping other families at their local foodbank and now hope their epic hike can shine a light on the importance of the charity.

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Stephen told Glasgow Live: "It was Ollie's choice to fundraise for the foodbank.

"We spoke about it and we spoke to Maureen who runs it. I've always wanted to do the West Highland Way since I was a wee boy.

"Then we decided that we should do it for the foodbank because we both already volunteer there, we've been doing that for just over a year.

"Everything fell into place to get it done. It is the Easter Holidays and I took the week off work, sometimes these things align."

Taking on the impressive feat isn't an easy challenge, with around 100,000 walkers using the paths each year, however, only 35,000 end up finishing the cross-country trek.

The Dad-of-two has no doubt that his inspiring son will finish in Fort William. The 40-year-old said: "He's not moaned once, he has been absolutely fine.

"That's been his go to word, when you ask how he's doing he says he is 'fine.'

"I had no qualms about him doing it at all.

"I know he can finish it because I know how strong he is mentally. We've been doing outdoor activities since he was three, he has already done Ben Lomond.

"Ollie also does cold water therapy with me. He is a super strong wee boy, I know that's a bit biased but he really is."

Although Stephen may have found some bits more tricky than others, Ollie has taken everything in his stride and even said the walk isn't 'too difficult'.

The six-year-old told Glasgow Live: "My favourite part is the rocky bits because you get to climb to the top of them.

"I feel happy that my walk is going to help people."

The youngster has become an integral part of the Old Kilpatrick foodbank, putting a smile on the faces of volunteers and those using the service.

Ollie said: "I help the girls, I work in the pantry, I make up the boxes for the other kids.

"I like helping people because it makes me feel good."

Stephen added: "He is just a wee boy with a good heart.

"Ollie likes to help people. He loves helping because he knows it makes a difference.

"The job they do there is absolutely fantastic, it's unreal. We've found a family down there because they are amazing.

"The world has gone nuts but in there it is the way it should be, people are looking after each other. I tell Ollie to think about the number of people he is helping.

"I think he realises that not everybody has the same opportunities.

"Ollie and I already have a massive bond but the volunteering and walking has made it stronger."

So far the pair have raised over £1000 for the charity, smashing their £100 target. The dad continues to be stunned by what his six-year-old son has achieved during his short life.

The 40-year-old said: "I'm buzzing for him and I'm bursting with pride.

"He's an incredible wee boy. This is not about me, this is about Ollie.

"It's amazing that a 6-year-old is willing to do this for charity, and he enjoys it.

"I'm a very proud dad."

Ollie's efforts have also left those at Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels completely dumbfounded as the six-year-old continues to amaze.

Maureen Cummings from the charity said: "We are so proud of our OKFP junior volunteer Ollie.

"At six-years-old he never ceases to surprise and impress us. We love him dearly and cannot wait to see him when he gets home at the weekend. His fundraising will mean the world to our families in the Foodbank

"Ollie has been volunteering with us since last year and is never short on ideas of how to help people. He has such a generous heart."

To read the GoFundMe click here

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